Partygoers lined prime spots in Trafalgar Square and Embankment to hear Big Ben chime midnight and watch an 11-minute firework display over the River Thames.

An estimated 700,000 people arrived in the capital for celebrations and more than 3,600 Metropolitan Police officers were on duty, some in plain clothes.

Officers made 17 arrests - two for assault, nine for being drunk and disorderly, five for public order offences and one for possession of class A drugs.

Roads in central London started to close to traffic from about 6pm to deal with the influx of visitors and journeys on public transport were free from 11.45pm.

The dazzling fireworks display was a big hit with those who braved the drizzle to watch.

Albert Caminha, 27, from Portugal, said: "I thought the fireworks were incredible - every possible colour was used - and I loved the way the lights reflected in the water from the river."

Dawn Reed, 49, from Doncaster, south Yorkshire, said she had visited London especially for the new year celebrations.

"It was absolutely fantastic," she said.

As the display ended, the crowds began to cheer and sing Auld Lang Syne.