Black Eye Friday in full swing as police arrest rowdy revellers | UK News

Black Eye Friday once again lived up to its notorious reputation with widespread drunken violence across the UK.

Famous for all the wrong reasons, what should be a time of festive cheer always seems to descend into chaos.

The last Friday before Christmas is known to be one of the busiest nights of the year for police and ambulance services as crowds hit the pubs and clubs in their thousands.

And 2023 was no different.

Emergency workers were on high alert with 40 million pints expected to be sunk on Friday night alone, both at pubs and at home, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.

Pictures snapped in various cities across the country show fights breaking out and blood spilled.

Newcastle

In Newcastle, tempers flared in the city’s renowned Bigg Market and men grappled with each other in the street as officers were seen making multiple arrests.

One brawl in particular appeared to be getting heated as police intervened and one man was wheeled away with a bloodied nose.

The partying was too much for some, as one reveller was pictured lying on the ground, with his arms outstretched.

However, others appeared to be enjoying themselves.

An array of Santas posed for photographs while one pregnant lady wore a Christmas present as a headdress.

Other groups wearing festive jumpers and hats also enjoyed themselves in front of the camera, while one man was seen being helped back up from the floor after a scuffle.

North East Ambulance Service’s deputy chief operating officer Victoria Court said: ‘We want everyone to enjoy their festivities this Christmas and New Year but please be responsible and look after each other when you’re out celebrating.

‘We want everyone to have a good time, but don’t ruin your fun by ending up in the back of an ambulance.’

It seems not everyone took heed of that advice.

Birmingham

West Midlands Police pleaded with revellers to take care during the ‘infamous Mad Friday’, which it described as ‘one of the busiest nights of the year for pubs, clubs and bars’.

A spokesman said: ‘While it’s a time for celebration and festive fun, it’s also historically a night for increased alcohol consumption and, unfortunately, an uptick in drink-related injuries and incidents.’

There was certainly some rowdy festive fun and the wacky outfits were out in full force.

Similarly to Newcastle, it all got a bit too much for some partygoers who were seen slumped over, comforting one another.

Swansea

It all kicked off in Swansea in Wales and Wind Street in particular played host to scenes of complete carnage.

The police had their work cut out with several incidents that resulted in a number of arrests.

One man even managed to snap a selfie with a detainee as they were tackled to the ground.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

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