BUBBLES are to be used by police as the latest tool in their battle against violent crime.

Special pens filled with a soapy mixture will be distributed to town centre revellers at the end of weekend nights out.

It is the latest bid to cut the number of street fights and follows similar schemes involving lollipops and slices of toast.

The scheme will be officially launched on Monday.

Inspector Phil Spurgeon, of Bolton police, said: “This is a low-cost initiative that is something a bit different, fun and a break from the norm.

“We hope it will grab the imagination of people socialising in the town centre in the lead up to Christmas.”

The brightly coloured bubble pens will be distributed every weekend in December and will be emblazoned with the logo of the Be Safe Partnership — an organisation made up of representatives from the police, council, fire service and Bolton NHS Primary Care Trust.

Be Safe members hope people will focus on blowing bubbles as they make their way home, rather than becoming rowdy and getting into trouble.

The bubble plan is part of Operation Sherry, which is now in its third year, and aims to make Christmas as safe as possible for shoppers, business owners and party-goers.