Patrols target underage drinkers

Some youngsters were hiding the alcohol in soft drink bottles

More than 100 litres of alcohol have been seized from underage drinkers during the school half-term holiday.

Police said children as young as 14 were using soft drink bottles to hide the fact they were drinking alcohol.

Officers visited areas in West Yorkshire which are known to be popular with youths congregating and drinking during the school holiday.

Dozens of bottles of beer, cider and wine were seized along with alcopops and spirits, police said.

Patrols targeted areas including Dewsbury, Batley, Cleckheaton, Huddersfield, Meltham, Slaithwaite and Milnsbridge.

Test purchase operations were also carried out at eight off-licences with six shops selling alcohol to underage people.

Pc Dave Micklethwaite said: "During the weekends over half-term, we often see a rise in the number of young people drinking on the streets.

"We will continue to carry out stop searches, alcohol seizures and test purchases on a routine basis."