Worthing at night

He is refusing . . . yet the ironic thing is that this is all taking place right outside the police station.

Scenes such as this are becoming more and more frequent in Worthing and people don't seem to be deterred by police officers who gather outside pubs and clubs at closing time.

Footage from two police videos, shown exclusively to the Herald, reveal that many of these people are young professionals who are getting involved in the binge drinking culture and taking their behaviour too far.

The videos were made by the police on Hallowe'en and show shouting, swearing and bad attitudes towards police officers.

It has only just gone 11pm when the first arrest is made. Officers are trying to talk to a man and his friends when he starts swearing at them.

In the background, you can hear bottles being kicked in the road and general shouting but the offensive language thrown towards the police officer stands out.

His friends are trying to get involved and calm him down, probably not realising they are doing more damage than good.

As he walks off from Chatsworth Road down into Chapel Road, the police chase him. He is arrested but not without trying to have the final word.

Later, outside the Liquid Lounge in Chatsworth Road, there is a confrontation between the police and a group of party-goers.

They are clearly drunk and would be amazed at their behaviour if they saw it in the cold light of day.

One man is swearing and shouting and takes things too far.

As police try to arrest him, he is tackled to the ground but refuses to give his hands to be cuffed. One of the officers asks for help '“ he says he is being bitten by the man on the hand.

Pepper spray is used on the man. Meanwhile, his friends, particularly a female friend, are trying to help his cause. As more and more friends try to help out, things get out of control.

Chief Inspector Russ Whitfield said behaviour such as this was becoming common in the town centre at night.

He said: "The town centre is often frequented by young professional people who would never dream of behaving in the manner that they do when they are drunk. I am amazed that some people allow themselves to drink so much that they are at risk of being arrested and at risk of ruining their careers.

"We often have examples which illustrate the foul language and behaviour of people who are normal members of the community. Worthing is a very safe town to live in, however the town centre pub and club closing time is at risk of ruining this reputation.

"The drinking culture is a huge drain on my resources, not only on these nights but also the following morning when the cells are littered with those who have been arrested for drink or violent offences.We are continuing to try to work with the licensees and I am encouraging them to take a very strong stance about the use of alcohol.

"My officers should not have to put up with what they do put up with on an evening."

See exclusive CCTV stills in this week's Worthing Herald.