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World Cup 2018: 'Idiots' put dampener on celebrations

Getty Images England fans celebrating damaged ambulanceGetty Images
Some England fans were jumping on ambulances, taxis and other vehicles after the win

After England made it through to a first World Cup semi-final for 28 years, inevitably there were wild celebrations from long-suffering fans.

However, some supporters have been called "mindless idiots" after cars and property were damaged in the wake of the 2-0 win over Sweden in Samara.

An ambulance car was danced on in London, a taxi suffered a similar fate in Nottingham and police reported record 999 calls.

A branch of Ikea was also targeted.

"We are aware of a small group of fans celebrating the match result in one of our stores," the company tweeted.

"Being both British and Swedish, we were on the edge of our seats during the game and we would like to say 'grattis!'."

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London Ambulance Service said one of its vehicles was damaged by celebrating fans along Borough High Street, with the car now requiring repairs.

More than £1,000 has been raised through a crowdfunding page set up by Millwall Supporters' Club to pay for the vehicle's repairs.

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World Cup 2018: Fans take to car bonnet after England win

Kent Police are investigating after a five-year-old girl's scooter was allegedly "clipped" by a car driving through Folkestone.

A force spokesman said the girl was uninjured, but officers had been in touch with the vehicle's registered keeper to see who was driving it at the time.

One man climbed up a lamp post near London Bridge station, while being egged on by fans in the street.

AFP/Getty Images Climber in Borough High StreetAFP/Getty Images
The crowd below cheered this man as he scaled a street light

Police also reported dealing with a greater number of incidents, with Lancashire and West Midlands Police receiving their highest-ever number of 999 calls over a 24-hour period.

"Interesting fact. We have had double the amount of police logs today than what we had on New Year's Eve," said Dan Brenchley from Devon and Cornwall Police.

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Smoke bombs were let off inside pubs, while large crowds blocked roads and tram lines, causing traffic disruption.

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The football streets of England

Images of fans celebrating by jumping on cars drew strong responses on social media, with many calling for the culprits to be identified.

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In Norfolk, however, there were no football-related arrests made, with Ch Supt Dave Marshall saying there was "minimal disorder" and thanking fans for being "in great spirit".

"It's an exciting time for England fans," he said.

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Many fans were happy to soak in the atmosphere and savour the occasion of a famous win, which was watched by nearly 20 million people.

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