Brighton police ran out of room in their cells after a weekend spate of drunken violence around the city.

The trouble started on Friday night when at least 16 arrests were made as crowds of pre-Christmas revellers started brawling.

Inspector Nathan Evans said so many people were taken into custody there was no more room in the cells.

Several had to be taken to Eastbourne.

Insp Evans said the fighting was mainly confined to West Street but there had been incidents all over the city centre.

He said: "It is clear that Christmas cheer is not with all and sundry at the moment.

"Drink is apparently a factor in these arrests but it's difficult to be too clear about why people misbehave."

Police were busy again on Saturday night when they were called to more brawls in the city.

Officers had to break up a series of fights and at least five people were arrested.

Inspector Evans said: "There were lots of bad tempered disputes and it shows a complete lack of Christmas cheer."