A week-long operation will focus on Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, Worthing and Crawley.

Sussex Police said they were keen to reduce and detect the number of violent offences committed around the county.

This was despite a 2% drop in violent crime from April to August this year.

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Williams said: "We do not want to give the impression that there is a problem with violent crime - it has to be kept in perspective.

High visibility patrols

"Having said that, everyone wants to feel safe and that is one of the key aims behind this operation."

He said 50% of violent crime happened at the weekend after closing time for pubs and clubs, when there were large numbers of people in public places.

Under the initiative, called Operation Resolve, officers will carry out high visibility patrols and liaise with Trading Standards officials and the owners of pubs and clubs.

The force will also team up with other agencies, including West and East Sussex County Councils, Brighton and Hove City Council, the fire service and British Transport Police.