More than 30 people were penalised by police for a range of offences in the city centre over the weekend.

A team of plain-clothed officers launched the operation on Friday and Saturday, supported by volunteer special constables.

During the course of the weekend, 18 people were issued with anti-social behaviour penalties for minor matters such as urinating in the street.

Officers charged 12 people in connection with the alleged possession of personal quantities of controlled drugs.

A man was also arrested for breaching a court curfew bail order which prohibited him from being in the city centre.

Officer Melissa McGonagle said: "The stark reality is that when alcohol is involved people's inhibitions can be lowered and you may behave in a way you would never normally dream of when sober.

"Just one night of madness fuelled by drinking too much can have devastating results - it is really worth it?

"I must stress that the overwhelming majority of people who go out in the city-centre are there to enjoy themselves, but to the minority who choose to behave in an anti-social way I can provide every assurance that you will not get away with it."