POLICE have warned they will crack down swiftly on any troublemakers tonight as thousands gather in York city centre to celebrate the New Year.

Extra patrols will flood the streets and officers have vowed to get tough on anyone spoiling the night for others.

Police will have a heavy presence in central streets and around York Minster, which acts as a focal point for celebrating crowds.

Under special powers, officers will be able to evict anybody likely to cause booze-fuelled disorder from the city centre for 24 hours.

If they return, they will spent a night behind bars. Police and the Safer York Partership have said the idea was not to prevent people having fun, but to ensure people were kept safe.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “We are expecting many thousands of people celebrating the end of 2012 and welcoming in 2013 at the Minster.

“In the past, the event has passed off with a good-natured atmosphere and we are expecting it to pass off in the same peaceful, if not quiet, manner again this year.

“Officers, special constables and PCSOs will be visible on the streets mingling with revellers and working with landlords and door staff to ensure that a trouble-free time is enjoyed by everyone.

“Anyone spoiling the night for the majority will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.”

Officers are asking those gathering at the Minster not to take glasses or bottles with them, to reduce the risk of anyone getting injured.

Paramedics will be on standby to deal with any medical emergencies.

Police officers will also be out in force across the regions’ roads to crack down on any motorists who get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs as part of their annual Christmas clampdown.