Extra police officers for busy Christmas period

The police force says it wants to reassure people who are planning to enjoy a night out over Christmas

Extra police officers will be on patrol in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire from this weekend.

West Mercia Police said it was launching Operation Christmas Presence ahead of what it expected to be some of the busiest nights of the year.

The force said the police officers, including some in plain clothes, would be joined by licensing officers, Street Pastors and town rangers.

The area's police and crime commissioner said he wanted officers to be more visible "so that crime and anti-social behaviour is tackled promptly, and people are not only safe but feel safe too".

Supt Brian Gibbs from the force said he wanted people to get the message that "being drunk is no excuse for causing disorder or criminality".