DRUNKEN violence and drink driving have cast a dark shadow over York's first glimpse of summer.

Scores of revellers took to the streets to enjoy blue skies and warm weather.

But as temperatures rose in the city, so did the number of arrests.

In the last 36 hours police have arrested a staggering 40 people - a worrying statistic which includes:

NINE assaults SIX suspected drink drivers TEN public order offences FIVE arrested on police warrant.

At one flashpoint in Ziggy's nightclub in Micklegate, officers arrested no fewer than three people following a series of violent attacks.

Police were called to the club at 1.30am today after reports of an assault in the street outside. While at the club they arrested another man after learning of second incident in which a clubgoer was punched and attacked with a bottle.

Within an hour, a further Micklegate arrest was made after an assault minutes earlier on a woman in the club.

And, in a separate incident, one man was taken to hospital and another arrested after an alleged attack at York Health Services Club in White Cross Road.

The victim was taken to York District Hospital suffering from cuts to his face and possible broken teeth.

York Police's Inspector Geoff Dodds said the sudden rise in drink-related crime placed unnecessary burdens on police patrols.

"People can make the choice to go out and drink. But those doing so must realise that the police will take very firm action to deal with people who have a wanton disregard for the law - particularly when it affects the quality of life for other people."

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