EXTRA police officers will be out across Worcester tonight for Mad Friday – the nickname given to the last Friday before Christmas – with hoards of people expected to fill the pubs and clubs.

It is the most popular night for office Christmas parties and people eager to get out on the town, meaning a busier night for ambulance crews and police across the UK.

Also known as Black Eye Friday, it coincides with Operation Christmas Presence, a scheme launched by West Mercia earlier this month to combat alcohol-related festive crime.

Extra officers were on duty on Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16, and will be again from tonight to Sunday, December 24, as well as Sunday, December 31.

The annual operation sees extra officers on duty to help keep people safe on some of the busiest nights of the year in town centres around the region.

Figures released by police show 37 per cent of all violent crime in the region is alcohol related, based on data for 2017.

Superintendent Paul Moxley said: “From previous experience, we know which nights are likely to be the busiest over the festive period and we will have extra officers on duty to help keep people safe.

“This is not just officers on the streets; we will also have extra officers in the custody block and in CID.

“Most people can go out, have a few drinks and enjoy themselves without causing any trouble. It is the minority who cause trouble and our message to these people is: ‘we are looking out for you and we will take action.’

“Being drunk is no defence for becoming involved in violent crime or disorder. When it comes to drinking alcohol, people need take responsibility for their actions and know their limits. Don’t get a criminal record and ruin your future prospects through something you do while you’re drunk.”

Worcester pubs are likely to stick to the same opening times as on a normal night tonight, however, it is advised to check with the pub or bar you are planning on going to.

Mobile units with medical help on standby will be a feature of many city centres.

It was originally known as Black Friday, but from 2013 the press began to use the term Mad Friday to avoid confusion with the sales day in November.