Stag and hen parties are causing havoc in Brighton and Hove, according to police.

Officers say alcohol-fuelled rowdiness is getting out of hand as men and women celebrate their final moments of singledom.

Too much Dutch courage is encouraging lewd behaviour from party-goers.

Many get into fights and some end up in hospital.

Police are now working with pubs and clubs to stop serving over-the-top revellers.

Spokeswoman Sue Heard said: "As summer hots up, so too do the countless stag and hen parties which hit city streets.

"With grooms and brides-to-be parading in veils, L-plates and cheeky fancy-dress, the one ingredient deemed essential to all these nights is alcohol.

"It acts as a disinhibitor and both men and women have been seen flashing their bits in public - one man was stripped naked and handcuffed to railings in West Street. It also can lead to violence."

Two stag parties on the Palace Pier recently ended with a policeman being injured.

A bottle-wielding attacker came within an inch of blinding PC Paul Grzegorzek, 27.

The incident, which involved 20 men fighting, led to three bars on the pier being closed for the night. Six men from London were arrested.

Several hundred people have been stopped by police and had alcohol poured down drains during this summer's crackdown on under-age drinking or for breaking a street-drinking ban.

Ms Heard said: "Some stag and hen-party revellers have a tendency to drink far too much and potentially cause themselves or others harm.

"Waking up to hangovers, injury and possible prosecutions for antisocial behaviour leaves little cause for celebration.

"As part of the National Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign, we are working closely with pubs, clubs and off-licences throughout the city to clamp down on sales of alcohol to under-age drinkers and to people who are already over the limit.

"The commitment to preventing problems of alcohol misuse also means licensees who break the law risk penalties including fines, 24-hour closures and prosecution.

"So, if you are planning a hen or stag do for your mates, don't be disappointed if you get turned down at the bar.

"It is the law not to serve anyone over the limit."

Ms Heard offered tips for a safe night out:

Pace your drinking. Look after each other and have a good time but don't spoil your evening by overdoing it
Eat before you go out. After just ten minutes, 50 per cent of the alcohol consumed is absorbed into the bloodstream. This is accelerated further when drinking on an empty stomach
Carry proof of age cards. Younger members of the party will hate to miss out if they look younger than they are
Remember, it is illegal to buy alcohol if you're under 18 for yourself or your friends
Keep your glasses inside. Many places ban drinking on the streets
If others are getting argumentative, walk away
Book a taxi for the end of the night so you can avoid the crowds
Stick together to make sure you're all safe
Chief Inspector Kerry Cox said: "We welcome stag and hen parties to the city but these common-sense tips can help make the difference between you having a great evening out and a night you'd rather not remember."