More police deployed for so-called Black Eye Friday

A police force says it will deploy an extra 70 officers to "make people feel safe" on so-called Black Eye Friday.

The last Friday before Christmas is traditionally busy with people going out to begin their celebrations, but the night is also known to put pressure on emergency services.

Cambridgeshire Police has urged people to be "respectful" when out celebrating, adding that it would be "cracking down hard on drink driving" over the festive season.

Supt Ben Martin said: "We encourage people to go out and have a good time. But be respectful to each other and think about implications you might have on others."

Supt Martin said the police force was "ready" to cope with the expected demand this weekend.

"We will have extra officers focusing on the night-time economy. We resource appropriately.

"Don't drink and drive and if you see anything that doesn't seem right report it to us.

"Our aim is to make people feel safe... but not feel threatened by our presence."

He added that as part of the force's Winter in Action patrolling campaign across city centres, since December it has seen a 33% reduction in reports of violent crime and a 13% decrease in anti-social behaviour compared to last year.

Seventy-two people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs in a county in December 2024, the force said.

Supt Martin said: "It is frustrating that [drink driving] continues to happen.

"It is not worth the risk. We will be cracking down hard and will carry out traffic and local patrols. We will pull cars over and breathalyse people."

The police said its working with local businesses and the council to make people feel safe during the festive period.

Forty-three venues in the county have signed up to a scheme where participating businesses give free or discounted soft drinks to designated drivers.

A taxi marshal scheme, managed by Peterborough City Council, will also operate in the city centre over the festive period to help ensure public safety.

Two marshals, registered by the Security Industry Authority, will patrol taxi ranks on Friday and Saturday nights in December, including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

They will work to prevent alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour and ensure passengers can access taxis quickly and get home safely.

Charity Light Project Peterborough will also be running a health outreach bus on Long Causeway, Peterborough, on Friday and Saturday evenings, to offer support to people.

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