POLICE seized 280 litres of alcohol from children in Burnley and Pendle between July and September.

Some 266 litres of beer and cider and 14 litres of spirits were confiscated from underage youngsters found in possession of alcohol, as part of the Community Alcohol Network (CAN) initiative.

Officers from the Special Constabulary worked alongside neighbourhood policing teams to combat anti-social behaviour by targeting underage and vulnerable youths drinking alcohol.

Special Inspector Luke Davis said: “Underage drinking is something that we will continue to tackle through the CAN operation and I am happy we have managed to confiscate such a large amount of alcohol that could have been drank by underage teens with potentially dangerous consequences.

“We know that underage drinking can make youngsters very vulnerable and this operation isn’t just about punishing those found to be drinking below the legal age limit, it’s as much about protecting them from getting into harmful situations and causing a nuisance to other members of the community.

“I would advise adults and parents not to buy children alcohol as there are all sorts of dangers and risks that come from providing them with it.”

In the three-month period, 2,193 youngsters were spoken to, 154 licensed premises were visited, 76 youth referrals were issued, 54 young people were taken home by police, 23 youths were collected by their parents, six arrests were made, five cannabis warnings were handed out, seven fixed penalty notices were given and there were also two directions to leave issued.

Coun Tony Harrison, Burnley Council’s executive member for community services, said: “The amount of alcohol seized is worrying and makes you wonder where they get it from. Residents across our borough are suffering from anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol and they will be glad to see operations like this taking place to tackle the problem.”