IT started with a head-butt. Yet for police patrolling in Oxford, it was a pretty quiet night.

Thames Valley Police are conducting alcohol-related operations this week, including a 12-hour Tweetathon, to warn people of the dangers of booze.

On Friday night, the Oxford Mail went out with officers from St Aldate’s Police Station to see how police tackle drink-related crime.

With just 14 officers across the city centre, including PC Lucy Auge and PC Maddy Wright, the police were outnumbered when compared with the ranks of revellers.

At 9pm, Sergeant Natasha Park, who was in charge of the Night Safe operation, gave a briefing.

There were early reports that an officer had been head-butted.

She said: “It is freshers’ week, so we are expecting a high volume of people drinking in the town centre.

“At this stage, we like to have a presence to set the tone of the behaviour that we will and will not tolerate.”

During the night, police made seven arrests, including for theft of a mobile phone, damaging a car and drink-driving.

“There were no assaults reported on members of the public.

“An officer was head-butted, although no details were released of any injuries.”

The operation took place as part of the Association of Chief Police Officers’ alcohol harm week.