Police say they will be getting tough with gangs of youths who have been getting drunk and causing disturbances in Cottingham near Hull.

Officers say that on Friday 7 February they were called to the King George playing field in Cottingham and as they arrived between 40 and 60 children who had been causing a nuisance ran off.

A large number of vodka bottles, beer cans and broken bottles were found.

Inspector Andy Woodhead said: "It is common knowledge that on a weekend children are meeting at the playing field to drink alcohol.

Offenders filmed

"It may be that the children are raiding drinks cupboards and I would like parents to check their stocks to see if any is missing."

In the next few days Humberside Police, including mounted officers, will be out in force in Cottingham.

They will be using infra-red cameras to film offenders.

The head teacher at Cottingham High School has been asked to send a letter to parents highlighting the problems of under-age drinking and the nuisance the children are causing.