2,000 Austrian police begin training to tackle soccer hooliganism

About 2,000 Austrian police officers began special training this week on how to deal with soccer hooligans and violence in the lead-up to the Euro 2008 tournament.

Austria's chief police training instructor, Ernst Albrecht, said officers are training in groups of 120 in sessions that will run through to the start of the continent's premier soccer event.

Albrecht told Austrian public television ORF on Thursday that the training focuses on "extreme situations" such as being bombarded by stones or Molotov cocktails, and teaches officers the limitations of their helmets, shields and other protective gear.

Police also are being trained in securing buses and other public transportation, he said.

Austria and Switzerland will co-host the Euro 2008 tournament.