Fears over rise in youth drinking

The emergency services will run joint routine patrols when possible

Two of Jersey's emergency services have issued a plea to parents to be responsible for their children's welfare over the summer holidays.

The States of Jersey Police and Jersey's Ambulance Service said they had "serious concerns" about the levels of teenage alcohol abuse.

They want to ensure teenagers do not get into situations where they could break the law or be exposed to harm.

Children as young as 11 have recently been found drunk in the island.

The plea follows the start of "Your Child, Your Responsibility" campaign, which will continue through the summer.

'Duty of care'

Ambulance spokesman Richard D'Ulivo-Rogers said no-one wanted to stop young people enjoying a "well-earned" rest during the summer holidays, but both services had seen an increasing number of very young drunken teenagers.

He said a 13-year-old girl was rescued from sand dunes recently, dressed only in her underwear.

"She was so grossly intoxicated the two men who bundled her into their vehicle could have been anyone - fortunately on this occasion they were an ambulance crew," Mr D'Ulivo-Rogers said.

"Her blood alcohol level was subsequently found to be four times the legal limit for an adult to drive.

On another occasion, an 11-year-old boy was found unconscious after apparently drinking a bottle of vodka.

Insp Alan Williamson, from Jersey Police, said: "The summer holidays are busy times for us, and we have to balance the enjoyment of young people with the lifestyles of others," Insp Williamson said.

The emergency services said they intended to run joint patrols when demand allows.