A man was so drunk he lost control of his bowel movements after being arrested by Dunedin Police yesterday morning.

Acting Senior Sergeant Ed Baker said the man, who was in his early 20s, was arrested for disorderly behaviour in the Octagon at 4.30am.

After the arrest the intoxicated man "lost control of his bodily functions", and was still sleeping off the effects late yesterday morning.

"He will be very embarrassed."

Sgt Baker said police would be investigate whether he had been drinking at any licensed premises.