For the first time, Devon and Cornwall Police will be tweeting details of alcohol-related incidents across the region that are reported on Friday night, between 8pm and 2am.

It is estimated that around 40% of all calls taken by police call handlers during the evening and night-time economy hours are to report alcohol-related incidents.

The tweets will be posted live, as incidents are reported, by staff in the call centre at Police HQ, Middlemoor.

The force says that the aim of the "tweetathon" is to help the public understand "the variety and quantity of calls received and the resources needed to deal with alcohol-related incidents".

Information about relevant agencies for help and advice around subjects such as domestic abuse will also be posted online.

A spokesman said: "It is hoped the exercise will also highlight problems around excessive alcohol consumption and encourage drinkers to take responsibility for themselves and help create a safer drinking culture in our region."

Throughout the evening the Twitter hashtag #alcoholharm will be used.

Assistant chief constable Paul Netherton said: “We will be tweeting a snapshot of the calls we receive, together with crime prevention advice and signposting relevant agencies during key times on Friday night.

"I think people will be interested to see how things progress as alcohol consumption starts to take its toll throughout the evening and be surprised by the number and variety of calls we receive.

"This will be an opportunity for the public to see our force dealing with incidents and the demands placed on both officers and call centre staff. It is also an opportunity to show how we use social media to better inform the public about what we do to keep the residents of Devon and Cornwall safe.”