-
Source: ONE News -
Related
Across the Tasman, a police officer has been seriously injured after a night of drunken violence that saw more than 330 people arrested in New South Wales alone.
A male police officer was rushed to hospital after being bashed by a man outside a Sydney pub.
Police on both sides of the Tasman say they were fed up with the dangerous binge drinking culture in both countries and have planned a series of joint blitzes to crack down on alcohol-fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour.
Operation Unite is the first joint operation of its type between the two countries and the blitz kicked off this weekend with a new focus on people arriving in town after getting drunk at home.
"Two of my police officers ended up in hospital as a result of alcohol fuelled violence and unfortunately two men tragically lost their lives as a result of alcohol," says David Owens, NSW police deputy commissioner.
The two men died in separate incidents but both falling from balconies.
"It's got to the stage where we need to send a message," he says.
In New South Wales alone, an extra 1200 police officers hit the beat laying charges against 333 people across the state.
More than 20,000 drivers were breath tested and 176 failed.
"I'm fed up with it I guess. I said last night I've had a gutful. I just don't know how to get through to people," Owens said.
It's also been a busy night for Perth police with stabbings, attacks with glass bottles and 142 arrests for drunken abusive behaviour.
Melbourne and Brisbane CBD's were largely deserted as police hailed the nation wide blitz a success.
Central Sydney police hope the message is received loud and clear as they head out on their final shift in Operation Unite which ends at 6am on Sunday.
World News Video
-
Dangerous rush to Everest summit (1:59)
-
Dozens killed in Syrian massacre (2:09)
-
'King of Romance' competes in Eurovision (1:46)
