More police officers are being drafted into a town centre in a bid to crack down on street drinking and violence.

The move is part of a police initiative to tackle the increase in violent attacks in Hastings town centre over recent months.

Introduced last week, Operation Marble seeks to put more bobbies on the beat in trouble spots in an attempt to discourage violent behaviour.

Other measures include a ban on street drinking and a proof of age scheme, set to be in force by next year.

Police are also keen to start an exclusion scheme to bar violent offenders from town centre pubs and clubs.

Police chiefs admitted Hastings did have a problem with alcohol- related violent crime but said it was no worse than many other town centres.

Chief Inspector Robin Smith, head of investigations, said: "Operation Marble brings together much of the division's resources in an initiative to promote safer streets by dealing robustly with those intent on violence and disorder, whilst at the same time reassuring those members of the public keen to have a good night out.

"This operation will continue until I am satisfied these goals have been achieved and it is only the first part of a longer term strategy to tackle drunkenness in the town.

"My advice to those intent on causing disorder is don't, otherwise you'll find yourself in court on Monday morning."

Inspector Mike Fagan added: "There is nothing new in what we are seeking to do but enhanced analysis of crimes and incidents has enabled us to target our resources more carefully. Officers are being drawn from across the division for this operation and this could have a big impact on reducing violent crimes and make our town centre a safer place."

Hastings is the first town in Sussex to introduce the street drinking bylaw, which comes into force on Friday.

More than 200 signs are being erected and officers will have the power to fine offenders up to £500 if they refuse to stop drinking when asked.

Trevor Webb, Hastings council's cabinet member responsible for quality of life, said: "This new bylaw is a direct result of us listening to residents who have told us the street drinkers problem should be dealt with as a priority, and we have done just that."

One of the most shocking crimes in the town recently was an attack on a schoolboy in an alleyway in Albert Road.

He was punched and kicked in the carnival night attack on August 11 and suffered a severe brain haemorrhage.

He has been showing signs of improvement.