Police cells in Bradford were full to bursting early yesterday as officers dealt with double the usual number of calls during the New Year celebrations.

The Bradford South division received 286 calls in the 24-hour period from 7am on New Year’s Eve to 7am yesterday.

The busiest period was the eight hours between 10pm and 6am, as the police dealt with 49 emergencies, 24 priority incidents and a further 65 standard incidents.

Inspector Deborah Garnett said many of the calls would have been about domestic incidents or breaches of the peace and at times all the cells in both the Bradford and Calderdale districts had been full.

“It was a very busy night,” she said.

Across the force West Yorkshire Pol-ice received more than 1,500 calls during the New Year celebrations, making it one of the busiest in recent times.

By 5.30am yesterday there were 180 people in custody across the county. Most were arrested for drunkenness, public disorder and minor injury assaults.

Hundreds of staff were on duty across the force, including additional call takers, custody staff, PCSOs, Special Constables and patrol officers - led by a senior officer in each of the five districts.

Between midnight and 5am West Yorkshire Police answered 1,505 calls. Almost 1,100 of these were to the 999 number – an increase of about 50 calls compared to New Year’s Eve in 2012.

Some of these calls related to vulnerable missing people. All of whom were found safe and well.

West Yorkshire Chief Constable Mark Gilmore (pictured) said yesterday: “I want to thank all of our officers, staff and volunteers for their dedication last night - many of whom worked very long shifts - to ensure we were able to cope with the demands.

“Often faced with intimidating and unpleasant situations, their selfless and positive actions ensured that the vast majority of the public were able to enjoy the New Year's celebrations safely.”