POLICE made 80 arrests as people celebrated the New Year.

Officers received more than 800 calls for assistance in Brighton and Hove on one of the force’s busiest nights of the year.

The calls were received by police between 10pm on New Year’s Eve and 6am yesterday, which is 60 per cent higher than a typical night.

Chief Superintendent Lisa Bell, pictured above, said: “This was a very busy night for our officers and staff across Sussex as we responded to a large number of calls for our assistance as well providing a proactive and reassuring presence in the busiest areas.

“Although there were incidents requiring a robust and swift response, we are glad that overall the night went well and that the vast majority of people enjoyed themselves in safety.”

She said calls included responding to fights, disputes and criminal damage as well as to traffic incidents.

So far none is reported to have involved serious or life-threatening injury.

Chief Supt Bell said 80 arrests were made during the eight-hour New Year shift for offences including assault, drunk and disorderly behaviour and criminal damage, an increase on the average for other nights.

Police also attended calls that were not connected with New Year’s celebrations.