'Most pubs' are serving under-18s

Teenagers went into bars undercover in the study

As many as 82% of pubs in Greater Manchester may be selling alcohol to underage teenagers, a study has found.

More than 1,500 bars and off-licences in Wigan, Rochdale, Bolton and Manchester city centre were checked by police officers and undercover youths.

The sting operations, carried out in July and August, showed 82% of pubs and 43% of off-licences would sell alcohol to underage teenagers.

The study is part of a police crackdown on alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder.

Greater Manchester Police said they made a total of 503 arrests during the two-month operation.

The force issued 191 fixed penalty notices - 137 for harassment, and 43 for drunk and disorderly.