BRIDGE Street is the most violent place in Warrington.

Violent crimes on the bar-lined street soared by 17 per cent between April last year and January this year.

This contrasts starkly with figures, released by police, for the rest of the town, where numbers of brawls and attacks for the same period fell by six per cent.

High-ranking police officers say the town centre street has become marred by crime at night-time, as alcohol-fuelled violence continues to dominate.

Superintendent Gary Finchett said: "Most of the violent crime committed in Warrington took place on Bridge Street where the highest number of licensed premises are."

Two weeks ago a man was viciously beaten in McCauleys and left with serious head injuries.

On the same night, a 22-year-old man was assaulted in Panama Jacks. In September, the bar had to fight to retain its licence because of the number of violent crimes committed on the premises.

Another police source said: "Bridge Street is a headache for us all."

Since January, 113 crimes have been recorded by police, including a violent sex attack and two serious beatings last month.

Acting Chief Inspector Steve Precious said: "While this increase is a concern, the figures should be taken in context.

"Bridge Street has a high concentration of licensed premises and attracts a large number of visitors on a weekly basis, particularly on a Friday and Saturday night."

Another officer confided that he would never set foot on Bridge Street at night, except to work.

Police records show that on: l March 17: A 24-year-old was attacked in McCauleys and needed stitches for cuts to the head.

l March 17: A 22-year-old man was glassed in Panama Jacks, needing hospital treatment.

l February 14: A 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in a car parked behind McCauleys.

l February 3: Paramedics were called to the Reef Bar after a man was assaulted and suffered head injuries.

l Last March: A man was left with permanent scars after he was slashed across the face with a knife.

Bridge Street is home to 13 licensed premises, a higher concentration than in any other part of the town.

Some bars serve alcohol from 9am. The sight of drinkers stumbling around Bridge Street during the daytime is a daily occurrence.

Chief Insp Precious added: "We are committed to reducing all types of violent crime, in particular alcohol related violent crime."

In the 1950s, Bridge Street was the second most sought after place to shop in the county after Chester, according to borough councillor Celia Jordan, speaking at a meeting of Stockton Heath Parish Council.

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