A Warwickshire Police spokesperson has today (December 31) revealed that half of the arrests made over the Christmas weekend this year were on suspicion of domestic offences.

Of the 60 people in custody between the evening of December 24 and the morning of December 29, 34 of them were arrested on suspicion of domestic offences.

Four of these were made in the North Warwickshire district. Nuneaton and Bedworth saw 12 such arrests.

Domestic offences include sexual assault, assault, criminal damage, coercive and controlling behaviour, breach of non-molestation orders, threats to kill and theft.

Chief Inspector Zaid Khan from the Warwickshire Police Domestic Abuse Unit said: "Christmas is anything but happy for victims of domestic abuse who often find themselves spending more time at home with their abuser, something that is even more of a problem during the Covid restrictions we are living in.

"Domestic abuse takes many forms including physical, economic, sexual and psychological.

"We are here to help; we have specially trained officers who are here to offer support and protection, and work to bring offenders to justice. Please don't suffer in silence."

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, and there's an emergency or life is in danger call 999. In non-emergency cases and for general advice you can call 101.

A police spokesperson said "Officers will make sure you're dealt with respectfully and spoke to away from the person responsible for the abuse. If you are physically injured we will arrange medical care if necessary."