FOUR people were arrested during the first day of a police operation targeting drink driving.

Three men and one woman were arrested after being stopped for breath tests, which Durham Police were carrying out in Burnhope Way, Peterlee, yesterday.

Durham and Cleveland Police launched the campaign this week to coincide with the start of the World Cup.

A 49-year-old woman was arrested for failing to provide. A 21-year-old man was arrested for a positive drug wipe for cocaine. A 23-year-old was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drugs and a 16-year-old male passenger was arrested for possession of a Class B drug.

In total, 69 tests were carried out in Peterlee, while a further 63 were carried out on the A690 near Durham City and 66 took place in Bishop Auckland.

In the last five years, 874 people have been injured in collisions that involved a suspected drink or drug driver in Cleveland and Durham.

Traffic police from across the region are warning people not to take the risk and resist the temptation to get behind the wheel after having a drink.

Inspector Jonathan Malcolm, of the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Drink driving traditionally rises over the party season but drivers will be left with more than a hangover if they’re caught driving while intoxicated.

“Leave the car keys at home before going out drinking during the tournament. If you have had a heavy night then remember you could still be drunk the morning after and should not take the risk.”