Residents are calling for answers from the police after being given just 24-hours notice to clear their streets of cars to make way for up to 80 coaches carrying football fans to a match at Spurs.

The disgusted residents were told their cars would be towed away unless they complied with the ruling as dozens of coaches carrying supporters to White Hart Lane for an international friendly needed the space instead.

People living in Bridport Road and Pretoria Road in Enfield were told not to park outside their homes during an international friendly last month.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused but would not take these steps unless they were absolutely necessary," read the letter from Haringey Police "We are expecting in excess of 85 supporters coaches' to attend and this has necessitated us to take exceptional measures to accomodate them all.

"Residents who feel they will be affected should consider carrying a form of identification confirming their address as this may help them through."

The chief executive of Enfield Council, Rob Leak, has written to the borough commander of Haringey Police, Chief Supt Simon O'Brien, questioning the powers police used to enforce the ban.

Furious Enfield councillor Andreas Constandinides said: "I cannot believe they were asking residents not to park outside their own homes from as early as 2pm on the Friday before the match on November 11 because of these coaches."

Cllr Constandinides, who represents Upper Edmonton ward, said he believed the coaches were parked illegally because they broke an overnight ban on lorries.

Haringey Police told the Independent the Football Association informed them of the parking requirements for the match at short notice.

They aquired a Commissioners direction to park the coaches in Pretoria Road.

A police spokesman said: "We were aware that whatever area we chose it would cause disruption."