AN extended police operation was launched to ensure revellers and partygoers stayed safe during one of the busiest nights of the year.

Extra police officers and staff from the Community Safety Partnership were on duty in Colchester on New Year’s Eve with particular focus on the town centre.

Chief Insp Shaun Kane, Colchester’s district commander revealed there were a handful of arrests but was pleased the night passed mostly peacefully with people acting sensibly and respectfully.

He said: “Across the whole of the Colchester borough there were nine arrests.

“They ranged from domestic common assault, assault on an emergency worker, drink driving and drunk in charge of a motor vehicle.

“We had a dedicated operation in the town centre with extra officers on duty.

“The town was very busy as was expected but there was no requirement for a dispersal order or any other additional legislation.”

He added: “The whole of the policing family were out to ensure people were safe including our special constabulary and community policing teams.

“Generally safe celebrations and festivities were enjoyed.”

Mr Kane said Christmas and New Year were still traditionally the busiest time of the year for the night time economy.

He said: “We have a really good working relationship with the busiest nightclubs and many of them were at capacity with their ticketed events.

“A lot of them contacted us in the run up to the festive period so we could plan ahead.

“At this time of year we certainly expect to see an increased number of people in the town centre and it has proved to be the case.”

Mr Kane said his focus for the new year would be to try and reduce violent crime both in the town centre and overall in the Colchester borough as well as keeping the night time economy safe for people who want to go out and enjoy themselves.

He added: “For 2019, we are focused on keeping people safe across the whole of the borough and reducing the amount of violence.

“I’m pleased to say although we are seeing a year on year increase there has been a consistent downward trend of violence against the person.

“We also look forward to continuing our event partnership working with our licensed premises across Colchester to ensure any violence, anti-social behaviour or drug associated crimes are both prevented and kept to an absolute minimum, with our priority of keeping people safe and preventing crime and disorder.”