Police arrest hundreds in crackdown on alcohol-related violence

Police in Greater Manchester have arrested 362 people as part of a huge crackdown on violent crime - with alcohol being cited as a major factor.

Police arrested 280 people today in a series of raids on homes, on top of a further 82 who have been held over the past few days.

Officers are today also visiting pubs, bars and clubs in the area to check they are following their licence conditions, as part of Operation Admiral.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesman said off-licences were all being targeted with a series of underage sting operations.

The crackdown, involving around 3,000 officers, is in response to a government survey showing one in three people across the North West perceive drunk or rowdy behaviour as a problem, police said.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Byrne of GMP said: "Today we have sent out a powerful message to criminals who are responsible for the sorts of violent attacks the majority people of Greater Manchester rightly abhor.

"All too frequently, alcohol is a major cause of aggression and results in innocent people being subjected to violent and unprovoked assaults."

The operation is also being supported by GMP's Think safe, Drink safe campaign to encourage sensible drinking.

Phil Burke of Manchester Pub and Club Network said he "fully supported" the police's action. But he added: "We hope this is not just restricted to the on-trade and the police recognise the part played by off-licences and local shops that sell to underage drinkers."