An increase in offences of drunkenness and violence fuelled by illicit drug activity has been seen by police.

It comes as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Police say the rise in crime ‘cannot be tolerated’.

In a statement, police said: ‘We are seeing larger groups of people venturing out as things slowly revert back to normal.

‘What is normal? We have seen offences of drunkenness and assaults occur particularly into the early hours. Increased levels of violence fueled by illicit drug activity. This cannot be tolerated.’

It continues: ‘During “lockdown” most of our normal policing problems disappeared overnight.

‘As a community we should try and sustain the low levels of crime and disorder.

‘The police would be delighted to hear from you about criminal matters or you can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.’