Police are blitzing central Brighton and Hove in a crackdown on thugs following a rise in violent crime.

Thousands of pounds are being spent on police overtime to swamp the city's entertainment hub every weekend evening until the end of September.

The operation follows a string of attacks and a 29 per cent rise in violent crime in Brighton, mainly due to increased reporting of domestic, racial and homophobic attacks.

Gays have been attacked in the city centre and a man was recently mugged in Boyces Street.

One man was fighting for his life last night after suffering a fractured skull near Brighton town hall early yesterday.

High-intensity side-street lighting may be installed, alleyways sealed off to block escape routes for attackers, and signs put up warning troublemakers they are being watched by street security cameras.

Pubs and clubs which demonstrate they run safe establishments may be rewarded with safety certificates.

The focal point for the crackdown will be West Street and the seafront, where thousands of people congregate at weekends.

A violent crime taskforce has been set up involving Brighton and Hove police, British Transport Police and Brighton and Hove City Council.

Sussex Ambulance Service, Royal Sussex County Hospital and the Youth Offending Team are giving the taskforce information, including incidents and injuries police do not always get to hear about.

Police have been to Manchester and Cardiff to pick up tips on how their forces tackle street violence.

Superintendent Peter Coll, of Brighton police, said: "It is early days and we are not jumping on ideas and solutions before proper analysis has been carried out."

He said the task force was looking at Home Secretary David Blunkett's idea of charging clubs and pubs for extra policing as they do with football clubs.

Police have powers to close troublesome venues but Mr Coll said: "We want to work in partnership with licensees."

He conceded violent crime had risen but stressed more attacks were being reported because victims were confident about talking to police.

He said detections were up ten per cent from last year to nearly 60 per cent.

Mr Coll said: "Cutting violent crime and drug dealing and reducing the fear of crime are our top priorities this summer."