Police chiefs have vowed a crackdown aimed at targeting alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder in Norwich's clubland will continue into the new year after the latest operation saw 18 people arrested.

About 70 police officers took to the streets of Norwich on Saturday night to provide a highly visible blanket of safety for those enjoying Christmas parties and festive celebrations.

It was part of Operation Impact, the fourth such crackdown of the year, which sees police and other agencies, including licensees, door staff, environmental health and fire and rescue services working together to ensure people can have a safer night out.

As a result of the operation a total of 18 arrests were made with three for breach of the peace; five for being drunk and disorderly; two for drink driving; four for drugs offences, three for assault and one for criminal damage.

Fifteen people were also issued with Section 27 notices banning them from the area for 48 hours.

Chief Superintendent Nick Dean, who was in charge of Saturday's operation, said: 'All in all a very successful night. The majority of people, considering the number of people out, were very well behaved and we thank them for that.

'But with Impact nights it's an opportunity to have an impact and take early intervention – provide that visible policing presence on the street to reassure people and provide that public confidence.'

Chief Insp Dean, who revealed Impact would 'continue into next year', said the use of Section 27 notices, which warn people without them having to be arrested, where there was an indication individuals were going to cause trouble was an example of the positive early intervention made on the night.

Operation Impact followed a very busy Thursday night and an even busier Friday night, dubbed Black Friday in the licensing trade as people came out to party after finishing work and breaking up for Christmas.

Chief Supt Dean said there were about the same number of arrests made on Friday as on Saturday but added extra resources were in place to cope with what was a very busy few days.