SUFFOLK: Police have reported a “busy but safe” New Year's Eve across the county.There were extra patrols out and about in towns and villages and most of the trouble dealt with was down to drunk and disorderly behaviour.

SUFFOLK: Police had a “busy but safe” New Year's Eve across the county.

There were extra patrols out and about in towns and villages and most of the trouble dealt with was down to drunk and disorderly behaviour.

The number of incidents reported to police was up slightly on last year's tally for the 24 hour period between 6am on December 31 and 6am on New Year's Day, but the duty inspector said most people seemed to have enjoyed themselves safely.

Inspector Mike Hinshelwood, who was in the force operations room as the clock struck 12, said most of the trouble that passed was down to drink, like any regular Friday or Saturday night.

He said: “Overall, whilst it was still a busy night, it seems the majority of people heeded our advice to enjoy themselves, respect others and stay safe for New Year's Eve.

“However, just like any other Friday or Saturday night in towns across Suffolk, there was a minority of people who caused some trouble, but this was mainly drunk and disorderly behaviour and nothing more than you would expect on a Friday and Saturday.

“Extra officers were on patrol and were supported by Safer Neighbourhood Team officers, providing resilience to respond to the extra events.

“They were able to provide additional reassurance to those on a night out in town centres as well as to communities across Suffolk.”

The cold weather kept many indoors - and as the chimes of midnight rang there were snow flurries in Ipswich and elsewhere in South East Suffolk.

By first light, however, these had stopped - leaving only hard ice as a hazard to early risers on the first day of the year.

While many people gathered on the Cornhill in Ipswich to mark the new year, others went further afield - including some who went down to the spectacular New Year's celebrations on the south bank in London.