BOOZE fuelled fights and violence spoiled New Year's Eve for many in Swindon town centre, according to police.

They blame binge drinking for a surge in violence on the night.

Acting inspector Colin Conway, said: "We had a fairly good evening until 11.30pm when things started getting a lot busier.

"There were incidents of assaults in terms of drunkenness.

"There was also threatening behaviour and domestic incidents across the town.

"I would say it was what we expected it to be.

"Drinking to excess is still causing problems and the small minority spoil it for the vast majority.''

He described the lower end of the town centre as the scene for the most drunken violence.

"The town centre is a problem generally.

"The bottom of the town is where people congregate there is always the potential for conflict in that area."

But it was a quiet night for Swindon's fire brigade despite fears that drunken revellers returning home after a night out could start accidental fires.

A Wiltshire fire brigade spokeswoman described New Year's Eve as "exceptionally quiet".

The brigades were called out to only three incidents on New Year's Eve, none of which were serious.