POLICE will be out in force to tackle troublemakers at this year’s Abingdon Fair.

The annual Michaelmas fair, which takes place on Monday and Tuesday, attracts thousands of people to the town.

It is Europe’s longest fun fair, stretching from the Market Place along the High Street and Ock Street, a distance of more than a mile-and-a-half.

Nine people were arrested at the event last year and 14 were given warnings for bad behaviour.

In 2007, two people were stabbed with a pair of scissors amid a fracas involving 20 youths.

Police are hoping to curb offending this year by drafting in up to 30 extra officers.

Pc Pete Hale, of Thames Valley Police, said: “We are expecting a large amount of people to come to the fair and want to ensure it is a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.

“We will have the same policing response as last year, which was run very successfully, and will have officers from the neighbourhood policing team supported by other local officers patrolling the fair and the surrounding area.”

The fair originates from the 14th century and marks the beginning of autumn. It will officially begin tomorrow night with an open air service led by the Rev Richard Bittleston in Market Place at 8pm.

Attractions will include dodgem cars, a carousel, children’s rides, darts, rifle shooting and archery.

Steve Rich, projects and technical manager for the town council, has been busy placing signs around the town warning people of road closures due to the fair.

He said: “We’re hoping there will be no problems and we have worked with the police so I’m sure they will have things in hand.

“The fair is such an important event for the town and the enjoyment it gives outweighs any problems it causes. It should be a great event.”

The roads where the fair takes place will be closed from 8.30am tomorrow and reopened in the early hours of Wednesday.

People will be able to enjoy the attractions from noon until 11pm on Monday and Tuesday.