Hackney Council is paying for extra police patrols over Christmas and New Year.

The council says the move will help ensure the safety of residents and visitors, and will see patrols taking place in the Dalston and Shoreditch nightspots at the busiest times of the night, ensuring party goers keep the noise down in residential areas.

Officers and wardens will also focus on anti-social behaviour in Gillett Square, keeping an eye on licensed premises, handing out safety information to revellers.

Plain clothes officers will also try and catch illegal, unlicensed taxi drivers.

The patrols are part of Operation Winter Nights, run by Hackney Police and the council’s community safety wardens.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Sophie Linden said: “Hackney has some great venues for a really good night out.

We want to encourage people to come and enjoy what Hackney has to offer this Christmas, but we want them to stay safe and respect those living nearby.

“We’ve got an excellent partnership with the police, so by working with them and funding extra patrols, we hope that residents and visitors alike will have a happy, safe Christmas.”

Borough Commander, Ch Insp Matthew Horne said they want everyone to enjoy Christmas.

He said: “We have additional officers on duty late into the night and with the help of the council they’ll be able to patrol longer.

“We’ll keep you safe by working with the Council and our licensees - in turn we ask that you look after your valuables - especially your phone - and plan your journey home.”