Zero tolerance on drunks

Scotland Yard has ordered a "zero-tolerance" clampdown on anti-social behaviour in the West End in the run-up to Christmas.

Commissioner Sir John Stevens said officers on patrol had been issued with instructions to arrest drunks who are "ruining other people's evenings".

He revealed that police were now issuing 400 fixed penalty notices a week for anti-social behaviour, including drink-related offences. He said: "My message is - enjoy yourselves but we are just not going to walk past people who are drunk."

An increase in arrests has posed a problem over finding enough cells. Plans are being considered to bring a prison ship moored off Bournemouth to the Thames.