A NEW blitz against anti-social behaviour is to be launched in York, to tackle young trouble makers during the summer holidays.

Roving police patrols will target known trouble hot spots throughout the city, to break up rowdy groups or hand youngsters over to other organisations.

North Yorkshire Police hopes to emulate the success of a similar operation six years ago.

The force is working with other local organisations including the Jack Raine Foundation, the Sexual Assaults Referral Centre (SARC), the NHS and City of York Council, in the hope of also protecting vulnerable children and young people at risk during the holidays.

Inspector Lee Pointon of York Police said the two-month scheme, called Operation Liberate, would see "roving patrols" of PCSOs on the streets of York targeting known anti-social behaviour hotspots.