Christmas Day was far from being full of festive cheer for more than 60 Sussex residents who spent the day in police cells.

Residents arrested on December 25 last year included individuals suspected of sexual offences, robbery and GBH.

Police officers enjoyed a quieter Christmas than usual, making fewer arrests than in previous years.

In total, 282 people have been arrested on Christmas Day over the past four years, with more than 20% fewer arrests made this year compared to a 2010 peak of 82.

Officers made 74 arrests on Christmas Day in 2011, including 12 people in connection with the stabbing of Lithuanian national Bronius Juras in Bayford Road, Littlehampton.

Eleven people were released without charge in the days following and Vaides Juras, of Beach Road in Littlehampton, was cleared at a trial at Lewes Crown Court in August 2012.

Arrests made this Christmas Day include a 20-year-old man from Hastings on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm, after a 20-year-old had his jaw broken as celebrated his birthday on Christmas Day in Robertson Street, Hastings.

Eight people ended their Christmas Day in custody cells in Brighton after being arrested for a range of offences including assaulting a police officer, drink driving and a sexual offence.

Twenty people spent December 25 in custody cells in Crawley, nine in Eastbourne and 15 in Worthing custody.

Sussex Police also received 85 calls regarding domestic abuse incidents on Christmas Day.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Police officers and staff are on duty keeping the people of Sussex safe around the clock, whether it is a wet Wednesday, a scorching Saturday or Christmas Day.

“Many miss out on spending big events with their friends and families and have to celebrate occasions at different times to other people, like Christmas a day late, because they are dedicated to serving the public.

“Criminals don't stop for Christmas and neither does Sussex Police.”