A SENIOR police officer has warned that scenes of wild and drunken nightlife in the Greek resort of Faliraki are "not too far off" what is happening in Bournemouth on Friday and Saturday nights.

Chief Superintendent Bob Boulton, Bournemouth divisional commander, said at least three nightclub owners had been warned that their establishments could be closed down unless they adopted a more responsible attitude.

"I'm very unhappy with incentives that encourage people to drink all they can. The attitude seems to be that once people are in the nightclub, they are fair game to be served. That's not acceptable," he said.

"I've been accused by at least one nightclub of interfering in the economy, but I take the view that the effect on public order and nuisance justifies us getting involved."

He added: "The vast majority of people come here and have a great time, and will come back, but mindless idiots seem to be ruling the town at the moment. There's a case for restoring the balance."

Mr Boulton was speaking at a meeting of Bournemouth council's policy advisory group, which is looking into various aspects of the town's night time economy.

He revealed that 36 per cent of all violent crime in Dorset happens in Bournemouth and 14 per cent in the town centre. More than 60 per cent of violent crime in Bournemouth - which has 30,000 "drinking spaces" - is linked to alcohol.

Roger Ferre from Dorset Ambulance Service told the meeting there had been a 123 per cent increase in emergency calls to assaults and rapes in the BH1 and BH2 post code areas between May and July compared to the same period last year.

Incidents of unconsciousness were up by 193 per cent and haemorrhage and lacerations by 104 per cent. "We are more and more drawing resources from more rural surroundings to feed the beast here," he warned.

Representatives of Bournemouth's young people claimed that some security staff in licensed premises were involved in drugs dealing, and spoke of the ease with which underage drinkers can obtain fake ID.

* What do you think? Phone our Opinion Line on 01202 411455.

* The Daily Echo reports further on Bournemouth's night life in Bank Holiday Monday's edition.