Heading round Sheffield on Mad Friday? Police are urging people to read this message before they do

The last Friday before Christmas, which is known as Mad Friday, is a popular day for Christmas parties and workers often finish early to head out drinking.

Sheffield city centre Sergeant Jon Simpson said he wanted revellers to enjoy the festivities – and not end up spending part of the Christmas period in a police cell.

Sergeant Simpson said: “Christmas is a special time of year and understandably people want to celebrate.

“By all means, enjoy yourselves and have a good time – but be safe and responsible when you go out.

“Look after yourselves and others who are with you.

“Make sure you’ve got a plan for getting home and don’t put yourself in a position where you make yourself vulnerable and potentially end up a victim of crime.

“You also don’t want to commit crime and end up in a police cell over the Christmas period.

“Be aware that any irresponsible actions could have implications for the rest of your life and also affect the lives of many other people.

“Over the years, I’ve dealt with individuals who’ve made the wrong decision and it’s stayed with them for the rest of their days.”

Sgt Simpson added: “You will see an increase in terms of policing the night-time economy in the city this Friday.

“My team will be operating from 4pm on Friday in order to promote a safe environment.

“We’ll be there to deal with any issues which might arise.

“It’s important that we engage with members of the public who are out enjoying themselves.

“I’d encourage people to come and speak to us – we’re quite happy to talk to them.

“We’ll also be engaging with door staff – they’re helpful in letting us know the mood of the city and how things are going.”

On Mad Friday last year, Sheffield police said there was ‘nothing significant to report’.