ALMOST 40 litres of alcohol was seized from children as young as 13 in a crackdown on underage drinking in Accrington.

Police and trading standards took part in the operation in the Peel, Barnfield and Woodnook areas.

More than 36 litres of lager and cider and two litres of vodka were seized during the operation.

This totalled 260 units of alcohol, which is equivalent to the daily recommended consumption for 86 adults.

Around 40 young people were stopped and checked and officers handed out 27 youth referral forms.

The parents of 17 children were contacted and asked to collect their children from the streets.

Insp Claire Cooper said: “This is part of our continued crackdown aimed at reducing alcohol related disorder across Peel, Barnfield and Woodnook areas.

“Anti-social behaviour can often be fuelled by underage drinking and has a significant and negative impact on local residents.

“I urge parents to take responsibility for their children and ensure they act responsibly. I would also like to remind retailers to ensure alcohol is being sold responsibly.

“Buying alcohol for underage children is a criminal offence for which you could receive a fine of up to £5,000.

“All the parents we contacted were extremely positive and appreciative. We will continue to run similar operations in the future.”

The action, on Friday night, came as part of a new scheme to tackle underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.

The Community Alcohol Network (CAN) is aimed at supporting local retailers and the community through a range of activity including targeted police patrols in hotspot areas, advice to local retailers on the sale of alcohol and visits to schools.