Dozens of police officers blitzed a town in a late-night crackdown on violent drunks and suspected sex offenders.

A carefully-planned police operation last night allowed officers to carry out warrants to arrest people wanted for racially-aggravated attacks, wounding with intent and indecent assault.

Officers also swarmed into Worthing town centre to patrol selected "hot spots" to curb drunken disturbances on one of the busiest nights of the week, as well as monitoring how some pubs were being run.

Revellers trying to enjoy a night out in Worthing's bars and clubs accused the police of being heavy-handed.

However, the town's top officer promised a series of repeat operations.

Chief Inspector Russ Whitfield said: "We want crime to fall this week. We're trying to show what the town centre should look like on a night out.

"Thousands of people use the town centre to go out and have a good time. The people we are targeting go out for a few pints of lager and a fight. That's who we are trying to sort out this week.

"We will be running a number of nights like this in the year and we will not be advertising in future."

Eleven people were arrested for offences which included causing actual bodily harm, driving with excess alcohol, being drunk and disorderly, possession of cannabis and possession of an offensive weapon.

The blitz was the culmination of a week-long crackdown on violence in public places.

Worthing firefighters also parked vehicles along Chapel Road to boost the numbers of uniformed people and Worthing Taxi Association co-operated with police to ensure enough cabs would be available to move revellers away from the town centre in good time.

Chief Insp Whitfield said patrols at Teville Gate this week had resulted in many arrests and people would be monitored along residential routes between pubs and clubs to cut down on anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Officers' numbers were heavily concentrated during closing times, from 10.30pm to 11.30pm and 1.30am to 2.30am.

Brad Pereira, 25, was in Chapel Road, Worthing, at 11.15pm and thought the patrols excessive.

He said: "There's no street violence in Worthing, just one or two idiots and that can be controlled.

"It's overkill and a waste of money. It's just not that sort of town.

"There are idiots but if police get one or two drunks and need back-up, they can call for it."