An eight-week crackdown on alcohol-related violence is underway

Staff at five businesses in the Newtown and Nicholstown area of Southampton agreed to sell to the girl, who they did not know was a test purchaser.

The sting was part of the city's ongoing anti-binge drinking operation.

The establishments have now been reported to trading standards, who will consider what action should be taken.

Inspector Jon Snook, who leads Southampton police licensing unit, said: "This was clearly a very successful operation for us, but at the same time the results are extremely disappointing.

"We have been conducting test purchase operations with Trading Standards for 18 months and our messages have been well publicised, and yet still shops are selling alcohol to young people.

"We take the licensing laws very seriously, and will continue to work tirelessly to prevent alcohol from being abused and from getting into the hands of minors."

His comments follow the launch of a government-led eight-week campaign involving forces across England and Wales on 8 July, which is aimed at cutting alcohol-related violence.