But the number of men getting into trouble has remained the same.

Figures based on studies from 33 hospitals showed a 2% fall in overall levels of serious violence-related injuries last year.

Academics from Cardiff University's Violence Research Group estimated 364,000 people across England and Wales sought treatment in A&E departments following violence, 6,000 fewer than in 2005.

While the number of men getting injured remained the same, the number of women who sought treatment showed an 8% fall, according to the annual study.

The results will come as a welcome boost for ministers on the day latest quarterly crime figures are published.

The data from Cardiff University is the first complete set of annual figures since round-the-clock licensing came into force in November 2005.

There were more violent incidents at weekends, with the worst time of year being between April and October, peaking in July.

Director of the Violence Research Group, Professor Jonathan Shepherd, said: "It seems likely that street CCTV and better targeted patrols mean that police are getting to fights more often and earlier.

"This would explain why incident numbers are up and injuries are down - police are intervening before anyone is seriously hurt."