New Year's Eve violence claims over 50 lives in Colombia

Bogota, Jan 2 (IANS) The New Year began on a violent note in Colombia as 54 people lost their lives and more than 100 were injured in clashes among revellers, EFE news agency reported Friday.

Northern province of Ceasar has been the worst hit with six deaths while five people were killed in the capital Bogota region, according to a police statement.

Four deaths were reported from northeastern Medellin province while deaths were also reported from Cauca, Uraba and Cali province, the statement said.

However, according to the police, the number of fatalities was 17 percent lower than that of the previous year.

About 65 people were killed and around 349 injured in violence that erupted during New Year celebrations last year.

The police have also confiscated huge quantity of firearms and adulterated liquor by raiding revellers' parties across the country.