POLICE are warning parents not to buy alcohol for their teenage children after dozens of cans and bottles were seized from youths in Shildon.

The haul was taken from more than 40 youths who had gathered on field behind Dale Road and the grassed area near Hackworth House, on Friday evening.

Officers said the group was making excessive noise, using foul language and disturbing local residents, particularly elderly residents in nearby sheltered housing.

One youth who was so drunk he could not walk was taken home by the police.

A Shildon Police spokesman said: “This youth could have got into some serious danger if officers hadn’t come across him.

“It has become apparent that parents have been supplying alcohol to their children on the assumption that they are going to friends houses.

“This is incredibly irresponsible behaviour as supplying alcohol to kids seriously undermines their personal safety.

“Most of these youths do not go to friends houses.

“If this continues, it may, in the future, be a detective who knocks on your door due to a serious incident involving your child.”

Supplying alcohol to Under 18s, for consumption in public, is a criminal offence and could result in a fixed penalty notice.