FLARES were lit and people leapt from the top of lamp posts as hundreds of fans spilled out into the street to celebrate England's remarkable last 16 win.

As England won their first ever penalty shootout at a World Cup, Colchester's fans reacted in kind.

Video: Luke Drage

Shouts of 'football is coming home' were constantly heard along Head Street as Eric Dier sent the team into the quarter finals for the first time since 2006.

Gazette:

The celebrations were good-natured, but flares were hurled into the air and people climbed bus shelters and lamp-posts in a frenzy of excitement.

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Head Street was closed to traffic as officers with Essex Police and the Military Police cast a watchful eye over the celebrations.

Essex Police has been approached for comment.

The Centurion pub in North Hill, Colchester, was a frenzy of excitement.

Gazette: