POLICE in North Yorkshire arrested more than 100 people during the New Year's period.

Throughout December 31, officers were out in force to try and ensure a safe environment for New Year's revellers, and had to arrest 45 people around the region that day.

Sixteen people were arrested in York, 13 in Harrogate, seven in Scarborough, six in Northallerton and three in Skipton.

From the start of the New Year, to 11.59pm on Thursday, January 1, there were another 57 arrests, with 24 in York, 16 in Scarborough, eight each in Harrogate and Northallerton, and one in Skipton.

A spokesman said not all of the incidents were alcohol-related or due to New Year's celebrations, but many were.

Police were also the target of a serial hoax caller on New Year's Day, with one man phoning four times in just ten minutes from about 9.15pm.

The Press understands the calls related to threats and reports of violence in a small village in North Yorkshire.

A police spokesman said yesterday that inquiries were ongoing to track down the caller, but declined to comment on the content of the hoax calls.

In a series of tweets, the control room said the caller's number and details had been recorded by police, but criticised the hoaxer for his actions.

They said: "The incidents he was reporting provoked a large police response which could have endangered other lives. He thinks it's funny. We don't.

"Hoax calls have wider implications than hampering control room. Officers responding are placed at risk, as are public."

The Force Control Room, based at Fulford Road Police Station, said they had experienced a quieter than expected New Year's Eve, with 188 emergency 999 calls and 147 non-emergency calls received between midnight and 7am on Thursday.