West Midlands Police in 24-hour Twitter scheme

Police officers in the West Midlands have been using social media to give an "insight" into patrolling its streets.

The force has used Twitter to describe its work in a 24-hour initiative which began at 07:00 GMT on Friday.

Police said the aim was to provide a force-wide "snapshot of the lengths officers go" to keep people safe over the festive party season.

There was an "increased risk" at this time but "extensive plans" from police were in place, the force said.

Tweets relating to the Christmas party season included messages about pubs being checked for under-age drinkers, breath tests being carried out in an attempt to catch drivers still over the limit after drinking the night before and patrols of busy town centres as revellers headed for evenings out.