Police were left battered and bruised after a wet and windy New Year’s Eve marred by drunkenness and violence.

Officers nursed suspected broken wrists and bleeding mouths after arresting at least four in Brighton and handing out 11 dispersal orders.

Gale-force winds and driving did not keep revellers at home with pubs and clubs jam-packed with punters paying premium prices.


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Sergeant Dave Bennett took to Twitter after his overnight shift and said: “Grim state of affairs. The amount of assaults on officers was ridiculous.”

He added: “Woke up with mouth bleeding, sore left arm and banging headache. Just a typical New Year’s Eve then!

#999NYE.”

Sergeant Jonathan Hartley wrote on Twitter: “Started 2014 in A&E with suspected fractured wrist following someone’s attempt to evade police. Thankfully just soft tissue damage #NYE999”

Sergeant Ned Edwards said officers were left with “bruised pride and bruised bodies” but were “okay”.

He wrote on Twitter: “Lots of assaults on PCs last night.

Unacceptable!”

He added: “Proud of my team who were polite in the face of provocation and professional at all times. Dealt with victims with compassion.

#team999.”

Sgt Edwards said at 5am yesterday four were in custody and 11 Section 27 orders for violence had been issued.

According to one report Vodka Revolution on West Street was forced to close early after a brawl broke out.

But elsewhere party-goers sawin the NewYear with style.

Despite fears many would stay indoors around 300 went out to watch The Meow Meows at The Gladstone in Lewes Road, Brighton.

Manager Paul Wossner said: “It was the best NewYear’s Eve I think we’ve ever had – we were full to capacity.”

Hotel Du Vin hosted a black tie event priced at £129 a ticket.

Reception manager Stephanie Ryan said: “The pub was absolutely rammed as well so it was a brilliant night.”

Around 200 headed to The Loft, on Middle Street, to enjoy resident Brighton DJs from Disco Deviant.

Meanwhile, Radio 1 dubstep DJ Skream saw in the sunrise at an after party at seafront club Digital.