Test kits to tackle teen drinkers

Police in South Nottinghamshire are to use alcohol testing kits in an attempt to crack down on under-age drinking.

Officers will use the kits, which are similar to a litmus test, to check if drinks being carried by under 18-year-olds contain alcohol.

Police said they would be most useful when officers suspect young people of carrying alcohol in a soft drinks can or another type of bottle.

Parents of young people caught by the tests will then be informed.

Police licensing officer Rob Turnell said: "These kits will help us to tackle underage drinking more effectively.

"In a matter of minutes, officers dealing with someone under 18 who they suspect of drinking alcohol, will be able to tell if they are or not."