BOLTON town centre’s busiest weekend of the year saw more 30 people arrested.

Police flooded the town centre the weekend before Christmas — which included Mad Friday — with up to 50 officers out to clamp down on any trouble.

And on December 20, known as Mad Friday, 17 people were arrested in the town centre.

One serious incident was reported where a doorman was arrested after a man suffered a broken leg.

The 43-year-old has been bailed. A second person was arrested on suspicion of assault in Bank Street.

Seven people, the majority of those arrested, were accused of being drunk and disorderly, five were arrested for breach of the peace.

Police issued six direction to leave notices, which are given to people who are "in danger of committing alcohol-fuelled crime or disorder".

People given the order can be told to leave the area for up to 48 hours.

Thousands of people went out in Bolton on Mad Friday.

Saturday, December 21, saw 13 arrests and two direction to leave notices were given.

Arrests included two assaults of police constables and six people for being drunk and disorderly.

Revellers kept out of trouble on Sunday, December 22 and only two arrests were made. Two men were arrested, one for being drunk and disorderly and one for obstructing a police officer.

Licensing officers paid visits to bars and clubs in the town centre making checks for underage drinkers and irresponsible drink promotions.

Bolton Street Angels, a group of volunteers, were on hand to help people who were drunk or in need of help .

Police and crime commissioner, Tony Lloyd, and his deputy, Jim Battle, paid a visit to Bolton town centre on Mad Friday to see how police operate on one of their busiest shifts of the year.

Mr Lloyd praised the work of officers and how they work in partnership with Street Angels.

He said: “We came to Bolton on Mad Friday because we know it imposes the biggest challenges to the police here in Bolton.

"Most people want to come out to enjoy themselves, they aren’t bothering other people which is great but, of course, keeping them safe is exactly why there is a large police presence.

"The night time economy has to be a serious consideration in the management of policing across Bolton.”

He added their work also includes stewarding vulnerable people and dealing with domestic violence incidences late into the night as a consequence of alcohol.

Mr Battle said: “I was impressed by the joint working between police and Street Angels. Both were working particularly well together.

"They were giving support to safeguard people. If it wasn’t for Street Angels it would be a further strain on policing.”