Police have seized gallons of beer and spirits from teeny boozers in a campaign against under-age drinking on the streets.

Youngsters have found their cash being poured down the drain - literally - by police keep to stamp out the trend.

Corringham Police launched the initiative in response to complaints that young drinkers were congregating on street corners and concerns about increasing vandalism.

It took just two weeks of high-profile policing to bring the problem in Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope under control.

The crackdown saw extra help from the area's special constabulary. Each time youngsters were spotted with alcohol it was seized by the officers.

Sgt Neil Davidson said: "We were getting complaints from the High Street and Southend Road areas of Stanford and from both Corringham new town centre and the old town. We thought the vandalism might be linked to alcohol."

He took time out to pour the contents of more bottles of beer and spirits down a nearby drain. The booze had been confiscated from teeny boozers.

He added: "There has been a very noticeable decrease in the number of complaints since we started the campaign. The trouble seems to have virtually disappeared."

However police have vowed to continue with their patrols in a bid to ensure the problem doesn't return.

Sgt Davidson said: "We have seized all kinds of drink ... lager, beer, alco-pops and even bottles of spirit. All of it will all be poured down the drain."

New laws now also empower police to seize drink from people over 18 who are with underage drinkers.

Action - Sgt Neil Davidson pours away some of the bottles of confiscated booze

Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

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