A leading Canberra policeman has praised the behaviour of attendees at Canberra’s New Year’s Eve celebrations at Lake Burley Griffin.

ACT Policing detective inspector Mark Steel told CD the crowd was well behaved.

He said more than 300 breath tests were conducted of motorists around the event with all returning negative results.

An ACT Policing spokeswoman said police were pleased no drivers were detected under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

She said approximately 40-50,000 people attended the celebrations on Lake Burley Griffin.

“During the event, one person was taken into custody for breach of bail,” the police spokeswoman said.

“In the city, four people were taken into protective custody as a result of intoxication.

“Five people were arrested for various offences including assaulting police, assault, and possessing a knife.”