“The border of what is tolerable has been grossly exceeded,” Police Chief Peter Römers told the paper.

He said alcohol-related violence has reached a new level that police can no longer accept, adding the city’s authorities had logged the worst statistics ever for fights, arrests and injuries this week. Six officers were so bady injured that they are unable to work, Express reported.

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Römers suggests a ban on bottles in the city centre since they are being more frequently used as dangerous weapons during drunken brawls.

“I image the establishment of zones within the city centre,” he said. “We also have to think of the children here, who want to go to the parades without being afraid.”

Cologne’s deputy mayor Elfi Scho-Antwerpes said she supported the idea. “I would be immediately for it!” she told the paper. “We need a city-wide prevention concept. We must include adults, the businesses and the festival committees. Community functions as an example.”