POLICE dealt with a gang of noisy, swearing youths drinking alcohol in a County Durham town centre last night.

Officers said more than 15 youths were gathered together in Shildon town centre - making lots of noise, using foul language and disturbing residents.

They also seized a number of bottles of alcohol from the children and were shocked to learn that they got it from their own parents.

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The incident prompted Shildon Neighbourhood Police Team to asked parents, via social media, if they knew where their children were at night.

They warned parents it is irresponsible, dangerous and against the law to provide alcohol to children under 18.

A spokesperson said: "Do you know where your kids were this evening evening?

"It has become apparent that parents have been supplying alcohol to their sons and daughters 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 because as shown above, 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 son or daughter.

"Supplying alcohol to persons under 18, for consumption in public, is a criminal offence. "Any persons identified as having supplied alcohol to minors will receive a fixed penalty notice."

 

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