‘Mad Friday’ drinkers praised by police

Stock picture of a police officer on the beat to go with story about levels of fitness among Lancashire police officers

The number of officers patrolling the town centre on Friday and Saturday was tripled to deal with the pre-Christmas rush.

Known as ‘Mad Friday’ because of the volume of people who finish work for the festive season and head into town, it has become synonymous with trouble over the years.

But police said there was only a ‘couple of arrests’ and the evenings went off without any major incidents.

Superintendent Matt McFarlane said: “We are very pleased with the way the operation went across Mansfield and the whole of North Nottinghamshire.

“It was perhaps a quieter night than we were anticipating, but our operation was well planned and resourced to deal with the even greater numbers of people than those who turned out on the night.

“I’d like to thank the overwhelming majority of people who enjoyed their night out safely and responsibly.”

Usually, six officers and a sergeant patrol the town at weekends, but more than 18 were drafted in across the two busy nights.