ALMOST half of violent incidents which lead to people getting injured involve alcohol, Cumbria police have revealed.

Now officers are urging those planning to let their hair down this bank holiday to do so sensibly.

In a bid to underline how serious drink-fuelled behaviour can become, Cumbria Constabulary has released figures showing how many situations involving violence and injury last summer were linked to alcohol.

In August last year, officers dealt with 295 violence with injury incidents, 137 (46 per cent) of which involved alcohol.

The number of such incidents had gone up month on month in summer 2014, from 267 in May, to 272 in June and 280 in July. Every month, 46 per cent were drink-related.

Last year was no one-off. Police figures also show the same percentage of this type of incident was linked to alcohol in August 2013.

Superintendent Justin Bibby said: “As we approach this year’s August bank holiday, I would like to see everyone who does go out have a safe and enjoyable time.

“We do not want to see people who cannot control themselves ruin it for other people. Every year we see people in custody who blame their behaviour on alcohol.

“If you cannot trust yourself with alcohol then stop or limit what you drink.”

The constabulary’s “Do the Right Thing” campaign urges potential offenders to be careful with their actions or face the consequences.

Extra officers will be out on patrol on “super” Sunday night in and around nightlife areas, targeting those whose behaviour could put others at risk.

Supt Bibby said: “The extra officers on patrol will mean that we are able to monitor situations and intervene before they escalate.

“It is a minority of people who cause trouble and Cumbria continues to be one of the safest places in the country to enjoy a night out with friends and family, something which we and our partners are committed to maintaining.

“If you feel someone is being aggressive or acting unreasonably, please report it to an officer or security staff.

“We want everyone to have a safe bank holiday weekend.”