Video: Sgt Tim Robson films the scene at a 'youth disco' in Durham City. The images have been blurred to protect the youths' identities

POLICE have pledged to crack down on ‘youth discos’ which have brought a surge of problems with underage drinking.

Senior officers said that while many are advertised as only for 16-year-olds and over, tickets are finding their way into the hands of party-goers as young as 13.

It has led to hundreds of young people trying to gain entry to the discos, in Durham city centre, in some cases well exceeding capacity, with problems exacerbated by them ‘pre-loading’ with alcohol before attending.

Inspector Paul Anderson, head of Durham City’s neighbourhood policing team, said one event in North Road earlier this month attracted young people from a wide area, many who appeared to have been drinking heavily before the premises opened, at 8pm.

He said the venue has a capacity of 800, yet it appeared that 1,200 tickets had been sold, some obtained by children as young as 13.

"This created additional problems of drunken teenagers in the city centre on a Friday night.

"And, when officers spoke to them, a number of the young people stated they had been bought alcohol by their parents.

"Several party-goers had to be taken home by their parents, including one girl who vomited on the street while waiting in the queue.

"Another, aged 16, had consumed half-a-litre of vodka before getting to Durham."

He urged parents to be aware of the type of event their children plan to attend.

"Some of the kids could hardly stand up and inside the premises we found evidence of sexual behaviour as well, including used condoms.

"Parents must ask themselves if they know what their children are up to or whether they’re aware of the dangers.

"They’re at serious risk of harm, either through drink or being exploited by others."

Reinforcements had to be called from Peterlee to assist local police trying to cope with hundreds of young people on the streets, demanding entry to a recent event.

Police said the licensee and event organisers have been reminded of their legal responsibilities.

While the events are advertised initially on social media, ticket sales mainly take place through school and college students who receive a percentage of each transaction, said to often a £1 ‘cut’ from each £6 ticket.

A total of 31 young people, the youngest a 14-year-old girl, caused sufficient concern for their details to be referred to specialist advice agencies.

On the evening of the event police seized numerous cans and bottles from party-goers who were stopped as they made their way to North Road.

Alcohol at venues hosting such events is meant to be sold only to those aged 18 and above, with a separate bar serving non-alcoholic drinks for those underage.

But it has proved difficult to prevent under-18s obtaining drink from older youngsters served at the normal bar.

Insp Anderson added: "We’re not out to stop people enjoying themselves and not every event will be as poorly-planned as this one.”

But, he added that police, "will not tolerate this type of behaviour", in the city.