POLICE have expressed alarm at the findings of an operation in which one-in-four off-licences served alcohol to under-age customers.

Owners of premises where young test purchasers were served with alcohol face a police warning. Further action will be threatened to a handful of "repeat offenders".

The two-month crackdown on youth crime and disorder across east Durham involved the survey of premises believed to be selling drink to people under the legal age.

Officers who oversaw the test purchases are said to be very disappointed, not only at the number of outlets selling alcohol to youngsters, but also at the failure of many to make even rudimentary checks on the ages of those trying to by alcohol illegally.

The joint Easington police and council campaign followed complaints about the nuisance caused by drunken youths in the district.

During "Operation Crux", 125 calls were made to 92 off-licences, several receiving more than one visit.

Each time a teenage volunteer, acting under police supervision, entered with the intention of buying alcohol.

Most outlets either refused to serve the teenager, or queried their age.

If challenged the test purchasers were instructed to own up to being 14 or 15.

But staff at 23 stores sold drink to the youngsters, who typically bought cider, alcopops and sweet white wine.

In one case, a 14-year-old volunteer was able to obtain a bottle of vodka without being challenged by staff.

Those premises emerging with "a clean bill of health" will now be contacted in writing by the police and thanked for their co-operation.

But the stores which made under-age sales will receive a formal reminder of their legal responsibilities.

Several which failed on three visits face possible action, up to the withdrawal of their drinks licences.

Sergeant Dave Young, head of Easington's police and council Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, said: "All licensees were given advance warning of this operation.

"Bearing this in mind, it is very disappointing that on so many occasions our test purchasers were never even challenged as to their real age.

"It seems that some licensees failed to take on board all the warnings, or perhaps did not train their staff well enough."