POLICE have been seizing alcohol from youngsters hanging around in Bridport as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour and drink-related disorder in the town.

Extra officers were drafted in to help with Operation Tide.

Inspector Alan Jenkins, the Bridport police commander, said: "The operation was very effective, both in deterring offences taking place and in particular tackling drink-related antisocial behaviour by young persons.

"We seized large quantities of illegally purchased alcohol from young people in the grounds of Mountfield and the Borough Gardens. We are making inquiries into how the youths got the alcohol - which included strong spirits."

Two people were arrested for public order offences. Police worked with CCTV operators to direct officers to areas where potential trouble could arise.

Insp Jenkins said: "With regard to the juveniles, some of whom were 14-15 years old, I would again ask what their parents or carers thought of what their children were doing?"

Arthur Woodgate, Dorset County Council senior youth worker, said it was not a new problem and in the 14 years he had worked in the town the same concerns and issues had been raised on a regular basis.

He said: "In our archives are articles generated by our predecessors at the youth centre, as equally concerned for the well-being of the young people of the Eighties as we all are for the young people of today.

"What exactly does all of this tell us? That some young people will experiment with alcohol and that some, for various reasons, will take this to the extreme. These are the young people that give the gravest cause for concern, and particularly when the effects of alcohol lead to behaviour which, in most cases, is entirely uncharacteristic, and is of potential harm, both to themselves and to others."

He said the youth service was reviewing its outreach programme, putting youth workers on the streets where young people congregate.

Mr Woodgate said: "This has previously been acknowledged by both police and town council to have been effective in combating issues connected with anti-social behaviour."