Frightening scenes emerge of Sydney New Year's Eve crowd crush
Sydney's packed New Year's Eve celebrations turned scary for some attempting to watch the fireworks in the CBD last night, with footage showing crowds getting trampled in the chaos.
More than a million people packed Sydney's foreshore to catch a glimpse of the fireworks display.
Trouble came when a crowd at The Rocks began trying to push their way into a ticketed area past police and big fencing.
READ MORE: Woman's body found under Melbourne overpass on New Year's Day
A crowd crush marred Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations in the Rocks. 9News
At York Street, another 100 people tried to make their way onto the Harbour Bridge, believing it was a legitimate spot to watch the fireworks.
But mounted police and the riot squad quickly responded, turning around the crowd before the countdown began.
More than 80 arrests were made across the city over the night, and 25 charges laid for various offences, including assaulting police, assault, prohibited drug related offences and offensive behaviour.
Fireworks light up the skies above Sydney Harbour at midnight on New Year's Eve. 31st December 2022 SMH/Janie Barrett
People gather at Sydney Botanic Garden to wait for the New Year fireworks. Roni Bintang/Getty Images
More than 200 rail infringements were also issued.
Police say these were limited exceptions and they were largely pleased with everyone's behaviour.
"Once again, Sydney welcomed the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display, and the vast majority of revellers enjoyed their night safely," Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said.
"It was still disappointing to see some people being reckless and disregarding the rules, with police giving move-on directions and making arrests on multiple occasions.
"I would like to thank those members of the community who celebrated the beginning of 2023 responsibly, in what we hope is a better year for everyone."
READ MORE: New Year's Eve celebrations unfold around Australia
New Year's behaviour praised around country
Despite the chaos in Sydney it was a mostly calm night, with authorities across multiple states praising the behavior of revellers.
People gather to mark New Year in Sydney Getty
In Brisbane, a total of 41 people were arrested on 55 charges across Brisbane's CBD, South Bank and Fortitude Valley areas.
On the Gold Coast police arrested 20 people on 23 charges and on the Sunshine Coast 34 people were arrested on 41 charges.
Police said the majority of charges were for anti-social behaviour and alcohol related incidents, such as public nuisance and liquor offences.
In Victoria, police made just under 50 arrests across the state, in what Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent described as an "outstanding" night.
"I am pleased to say that the behaviour across the state was excellent. The vast majority of the public celebrated respectively and safely right our this beautiful state of ours," he said.
Police at Sydney Opera House during New Year's Eve celebrations. Cole Bennetts
"The city was a real buzz and vibe and lots of people behaving very well."
Of those 49 arrests, 19 of those were for public drunkenness.
Police are also investigating after finding a woman's body in Melbourne's CBD.
READ MORE: Billionaire's fireworks party starts blaze near Queenstown
Meanwhile in South Australia, police targeted anti-social and disorderly behaviour across the state.
Overall there were 89 people arrested across the state and 57 people reported for offences including behavioural, traffic and drug possession.
A total of 171 traffic expiation notices were issued and 179 general expiation notices were issued.
Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval said it was "good to see" the majority of people acting responsibly.
"There were some who did not, and many offences involved alcohol or drug use," he said.
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