WILTSHIRE’S most senior police officer condemned an “eruption of violence” on Swindon’s streets on New Year’s Eve.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard spoke out after spending the night on patrol in Swindon. Almost 30 people started New Year’s Day in police custody.

Among them was a Londoner of Lombard Road, who was still more than twice the drink-drive limit on New Year’s Day after celebrating the night before. The 35-year-old, who pleaded guilty and is of previous good character, was fined £807 and given an 18 month driving ban.

Nick Barr, prosecuting, told Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday: "Staff at the Greenbridge Curry's called the police about an inebriated man who had come into the shop, left, and got into his car, driving towards Oxford Road.

"A police officer on mobile patrol saw the man and stopped him. The defendant smelled of alcohol and was arrested after a breath test." At Gablecross, he was found to have had 88 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, who joined Wiltshire Police 25-years-ago, said: “While the majority of individuals enjoyed celebrating the new year responsibly in Wiltshire, we did see a disappointing number of incidents across the county involving violence, fuelled by alcohol.

“As with every New Year’s Eve, we expect our towns to be busier than normal and we do plan for this extra demand. It is regrettable that my officers had to deal with serious incidents ranging from GBH and robbery, to assaults and drink driving offences.

“I went out on patrol in Swindon town centre with officers on New Year’s Eve, and while I witnessed many people celebrating responsibly, I did also witness an eruption of violence on our streets.”

He slammed violence against his officers. Four police officers were assaulted and a 17-year-old boy has been charged on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and is due before Swindon magistrates on January 23.

Mr Pritchard said: “I am full of praise for those working in our extremely busy control room, as well as my officers who continue to put themselves forward to protect our communities, but I am extremely disappointed that four officers were assaulted during the course of the night.

“Two of these were punched, one was kicked and one was bitten – he required hospital treatment.

“This is totally unacceptable and disgraceful behaviour towards officers who have given up celebrating new year with their own families and friends to protect the public. Incidents of this nature can cause anxiety and have a huge impact on an officer’s personal life.

"This behaviour should never be seen as ‘part of the job'."

New Year's Eve also saw police shutting down a house party in North Swindon.