Drunken fights broke out all over Brighton city centre as Christmas spirits turned sour.
At least 16 people were arrested throughout the night as crowds of pre-Christmas revellers started brawling on the streets.
Inspector Nathan Evans of Sussex Police said so many people were taken into custody there was no more room in the cells. Several of the brawlers were moved to Eastbourne.
The fighting was mainly confined to West Street, but there were incidents all over the city centre.
Inspector Evans said: "It is clear that Christmas cheer is not with all and sundry at the moment.
"Drink is apparently a factor in these arrests but it's difficult to be too clear about why people misbehave."
The inspector said arrests had been made for various public order offences on Friday night and would be processed over the weekend.
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