Norfolk Police urge people not to 'overdo it' this weekend
It comes after 16 arrests were made over the Bank Holiday.
Last updated 4th Jun 2021
Norfolk Police is urging people to "enjoy yourself but don't overdo it" this weekend after a number of arrests had to be made over the Bank Holiday.
It comes as another weekend of warm weather is expected with people taking full advantage of the newly reopened pubs and bars across the county.
Sixteen arrests were made last Friday and Saturday during public order patrols.
Four in Norwich on Friday and three on Saturday, two in King's Lynn on Saturday, and seven in Great Yarmouth on Saturday.
Police also received 14 emergency 999 calls about alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and disorder, between 9pm on Saturday and 2am on Sunday, stretching police resources.
Some of the incidents they attended included a fight involving 10 people on Hall Road in Norwich, a large fight in Great Yarmouth on Broad Row, and a man was left with a serious head injury on Marine Parade after being glassed.
Assistant Chief Constable Julie Wvendth said: "The overwhelming majority of people have embraced the easing of lockdown rules and enjoyed their new freedoms sensibly.
"With the restrictions having been eased on Monday 17 May, the previous two weekends have seen a real return of night life to our city and towns. This is of course welcome news and great that people can once again socialise indoors, subject to the rule of six.
"However, we dealt with a number of incidents over last weekend, largely fuelled by alcohol. Our plea to people heading out is to enjoy yourself, have a drink but don't overdo it. I'm sure most of the people who ended up in a police cell hadn't intended to end their night that way but we've all seen before that too much alcohol can have unintended consequences.
"We've also seen a rise in the number of officers being assaulted, with the number of incidents recorded increasing over consecutive weekends since lockdown rules were eased. Twenty-two incidents were recorded last weekend, compared to 15 the previous weekend and three incidents between 14 and 16 May.
"While not all are related to the night time economy, and the majority thankfully don't involve serious injury, this is a trend we don't want to see continue. Officers policing the night life shouldn't have to face violence while they're out protecting others."
Giles Orpen-Smellie, Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner said: "The gradual lifting of restrictions is something we are all welcoming and it's understandable that people want to enjoy a night out after so long of not being able to.
"Our county's police officers are working hard to keep us all safe at this time and deserve to be able to do their jobs without the risk of assault or injury. Nobody wants to end their evening in a police cell, but violence against officers is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
"I'd ask everyone to be thoughtful - enjoy your night out, respect those around you and our police officers, and go home having had a great time."