A 'SERIOUS assault' took place in Worcester and a knife was seized as New Year celebrations turned ugly.

At one stage a police van attached to a specialist priority team which tackles the most serious crimes had to be called back to Worcester city centre to support local officers. As previously reported, all 23 cells at Worcester Police Station were full this morning following a string of incidents, including alcohol-related attacks and domestic assaults.

Officers from the Local Policing Priority Team, part of West Mercia Police, described the team 'facing resistance from hostile groups in Worcester' during the night.

Many of the incidents were described by the team as 'alcohol-fuelled' but there was also a police chase in Malvern and an arrest for drug driving in Worcester.

The team also responded to a violent male in Hereford and a 'serious assault' in Worcester.

An arrest was made and a knife recovered.

The team also helped to locate and arrest a male wanted for a 'serious offence' in Malvern.

The van crew also dealt with another 'violent male' in Worcester city centre and had to use PAVA to incapacitate him.

A spokesman for the team said: "A very aggressive male was found to be wanted for a court warrant and arrested in Worcester city centre.

"He is now safely off the street and won't be causing any more harm to people out enjoying themselves."