More than 700 officers from TEN different police forces from across the country have joined together in a massive operation at Villa Park tonight - as a top cop vows 'We'll be alert to any trouble'.

Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv will play Aston Villa in a Europa League match without away fans allowed inside the ground due to "safety fears". However, at least five protest groups will be positioned near the stadium this evening, Thursday, November 6.

West Midlands Police will be joined by officers from West Mercia, Warwickshire , Staffordshire , Derbyshire and Leicestershire. While officers have also been drafted in from forces further afield - the Met, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Dorset.

READ MORE: Aston Villa v Maccabi live as fans face string of protests before match

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