Cumbria police recorded the fifth-highest number of arrests for being drunk and disorderly of all UK forces by population last year.

Figures obtained by online men’s wellness company From Mars showed Cumbria Constabulary made 2,100 arrests on suspicion of antisocial behaviour between 2016 and 2020, equating to 420 arrests per 100,000 people.

According to the data, there were 512 people arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in 2016, 518 in 2017, 430 in 2018 and 386 in 2019.

However, in 2020 there was just 254 people arrested for the offence – fewer than half the number of arrests recorded four years prior.

Taking the top spot for drunk and disorderly arrests were Northumbria police who made 11,498 arrests, which amounts to 785 per 100,000 people.

Merseyside police and Lancashire Constabulary came in second and third respectively and Norfolk Constabulary took fourth position.

Chief Superintendent of Cumbria police, Matt Kennerley, said the figures represented a 'significant' fall in drunk and disorderly arrests.

He said: “We work all-year-round with licensees, Pubwatch organisations and local authorities to ensure our night-time economies are safe and enjoyable places for everyone to enjoy on a night out.

“We have visible patrols out-and-about on foot, particularly at key times, and the priority for these officers is to engage with those out enjoying our bars, restaurants and clubs, ensure everyone’s safety and prevent any disorder or violence.

“The figures demonstrate that arrests for drunk and disorderly are falling significantly.

“But these figures also demonstrate that where action is necessary, we take action – and an arrest for a lower level offence such as being drunk and disorderly potentially prevents a more serious offence taking place.

“We know anti-social behaviour such as this is a real concern to our communities and will act where necessary to prevent any further problems.”

The Metropolitan Police Service issued 2,833 arrests in 2020 for being drunk and disorderly, which is the highest overall in the UK.

West Midlands has been named as the location with the lowest number of arrests per 100,000 people. The police force carried out just two arrests.