The number of motorists found to be under the influence of drink in Northern Ireland has risen over the Christmas period.

A total of 396 drink drivers were detected in the latest anti-drink driving campaign, according to figures released on Tuesday.

The statistics mark an increase of 31 on last year's figure.

The detections include motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.

Drink driving is responsible for a quarter of all road deaths in NI

Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said he was disappointed at the number of people who chose to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking over the festive season.

"I said at the outset of the campaign that there would be no hiding place for those who drink and drive," he said.

"We now have 396 people going before the courts where inevitably, they will lose their licences."

Mr McCausland said the focus of the campaign had centred on the human cost of drink driving.

"The vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink-driving is shameful and unacceptable," he said.

"However, there seems to be an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings. That is why the detecting of drink driving is a priority for police indeed an all year round priority."

A quarter of all road deaths in the province are drink-related, and hundreds of people are injured every year as a result of drink driving.