TAXI marshals are to be introduced into a historic university city centre to reduce late night alcohol-fuelled violence.

Trouble in Durham City after closing time used to happen during clashes between locals and students from outside the area, or 'townies' and 'gownies'.

But police say these days, a lot of violent incidents are caused by students fighting among themselves as they try to get home after a night out.

Sergeant Tim Robson, of Durham Police's licensing unit, said: "The incidences of violent disorder are increasingly student-on-student.

"It is quite a turnaround, and the public have realised how trouble starts and become more educated, although we do still have trouble from some people who visit from nearby villages."

The threat of violence is exacerbating the taxi shortage in the city centre at weekends, because drivers do not want to collect drunken people who may attack them.

Hundreds of people congregate in the area after clubs close as people go for takeaways and try to get home.

Violence erupts, because people have had too much to drink, are more argumentative and people try to jump the queue.

Two taxi marshals, wearing high-visibility yellow vests, will be at the rank outside The Studio nightclub, in North Street, on Friday and Saturday nights, from 11pm to 3am to identify trouble-makers.

The marshals, employed by Newcastle-based Phoenix Security, will be in radio contact with police officers patrolling the streets and CCTV camera operators, to collect evidence.

Sgt Robson said: "They are not there to make arrests, but to highlight problems to us. If people start to kick off, they will be arrested on a lesser public order charge.

"We would rather do that than wait until someone is punched."

The men will have been approved by the Security Industry Authority and have the same training as pub doormen, in terms of first aid, race relations and conflict management.

The plan is a three-month pilot, which is costing almost £3,000 and being paid for by pub and club licensees in the city centre.

As part of the project, Durham County Council will close North Road to traffic, except buses and taxis, from 9pm to 4am, to make it easier for taxis to collect fares.