Armed police will be on red alert throughout the Cup Match as Police step up security to deal with potential flash-points across the Island.

Police Support Units will be patrolling throughout the holiday while the reserves have been called up in case trouble flares at ten organised events.

Assistant Police Commissioner Carlton Adams said: ?Emergency response personnel will be deployed but I won?t share the precise nature of that deployment.?The emergency response team will be on patrol to counter the growing armed threat (see related story on this page).

Mr. Adams warned the public the tough new law against carrying pointed weapons will be enforced, with those caught liable to a mandatory three-year jail sentences.

The law, passed by the Senate last week, will come into effect just after midnight tonight.

St. George?s Cricket Club president Neil Paynter said both walk-through and wand-like metal detectors would be used by security guards looking for concealed blades at the game.

The new law means even innocent picnickers bringing cutlery face the full weight of the law.

Mr. Paynter said: ?We are asking people to please not bring any sharp bladed knives or machetes.

?If you have any fruits or water melon, cut it at home.?

He warned the public that security cameras would monitor the crowd while the TV crews will also be there.

Last year the venue saw a pitched battle between machete wielding thugs at the Friendship Trophy football final but so far Cup Match has remained free of serious incident.

Mr. Paynter added the expensive security operation was worth it. He said: ?We want to promote a family atmosphere.?

Marine police will be out enforcing the five knot no wake speed limit and hunting for drunken boaters during the four-day break.

Mr. Adams warned jetskiers to beware of swimmers and asked boaters to make sure they had sufficient gas for their journeys to avoid having to send Marine Police to bring them back.

Traffic Police will be cracking down on drunks and speeders on the roads said Road Safety Officer Roxanne Christopher.

She said extra public transport will be put on to help people avoid the temptations on driving under the influence.