A crackdown on street drinkers has led to 17 arrests and resulted in 200 cans and bottles of confiscated booze being poured away.

The arrests were for offences including being drunk and disorderly, assault, criminal damage and drugs offences after police launched the enforcement stage of the ban in Brighton and Hove on September 8.

Anyone drinking in public and acting in an antisocial manner could be arrested and fined up to £500. Drink may be confiscated and anyone refusing to hand them over to the police can be arrested.

A change to the bylaw is also due which will allow police to dispose of unopened containers of alcohol as well as open cans and bottles.

Norfolk Square in Brighton has been a regular haunt for drinkers for decades and is one of the areas targeted.

Residents and businesses say they have put up with drunkenness, abuse, obscenities, fights and blaring music.

Sergeant Richard Siggs, who is in charge of the crackdown, said: "Police have worked well with the treatment agencies and five beggars and six street drinkers are waiting for or are getting professional help."

Council community safety councillor Gill Mitchell said: "I'm pleased we're also helping beggars and drinkers sort out their lives."

Police now aim to crack down on the drug problem on the Lower Esplanade.