Police called on revellers to behave responsibly this May Bank Holiday weekend as more people are expected to come into Oxford to celebrate the May morning celebrations.

With more than 30 premises extending their licences, police in the city will be deploying extra officers to have a strong visible presence in a bid to prevent disorder throughout the night.

Oxford Commander, Supt Amanda Pearson, said: “The May morning celebrations traditionally see a much larger number of people coming into the city to celebrate.

"It is one of the only nights of the year where licensed premises are open longer which allows people to stay on in their premises until the choir gather at Magdalen Bridge in the morning.

“We are aware of where these premises are and their conditions so I will be deploying my officers in line with these to prevent any disorder taking place. Officers will be out early on in the evening to meet and greet revellers, providing a visible presence and will continue to do so until the crowds disperse from the bridge on Saturday morning.

“We have been working with our partners to make sure the day runs as peacefully and as safely as possible.”

Thames Valley Police Licensing officer, Tony Cope, said: “In partnership with Nightsafe, we are working closely with the identified premises who have notified us of their extension of hours, to make sure they are adhering to the legislation and putting measures in place to make sure their venues are catered for the extension in hours.

“The premises know that Thames Valley Police and partners will work with them to allow their venues to extend their opening hours but our message is simple – if the conditions of extensions are breached in anyway then we do have the power to cease the extension immediately.”