Gangs of underage drinkers who have been making life a misery for families living on the outskirts of the city have had alcohol seized by police as part of a crackdown.

Gangs of underage drinkers who have been making life a misery for families living on the outskirts of the city have had alcohol seized by police as part of a crackdown.

People living in the areas patrolled by the Wymondham, Hethersett, Mulbarton Safer Neighbourhood Team have complained to police about under-age drinkers.

In the past two weeks officers have carried out a number of high visibility patrols during problem times to deal with booze-filled youngsters.

Alcohol was seized from youngsters and parents have been informed about their behaviour by police who also confiscated a number of items that could have been used to cause anti-social behaviour, including eggs and fireworks.

Wymondham PC Simon Redhead said: 'We take under-age drinking very seriously and will stop youngsters consuming alcohol or anyone who supplies young people with alcohol. Intoxicated youths will be dealt with by the police and parents will be informed about their child's anti-social drinking habits.'

The warning comes less than two years after teenagers living in the area were warned they were playing 'Russian roulette' with their health and safety by binge drinking.

Bosses at Norwich-based drug and alcohol advisory service Norcas said that underage drinking was a growing problem in Norfolk and that drinkers of all ages were taking massive risks, but that young people were drinking at 'dangerous levels'.

As well as the long-term health problems associated with drinking, young people who regularly got intoxicated put themselves at risk of petty crime, pregnancy, and unsafe sex.

The comments came as police revealed they had seized a large haul of alcohol, including dozens of cans of strong lager and several litres of vodka and cider from gangs of youngsters aged between 15 and 17.

A large quantity of alcohol was seized from a group of about 30 teenagers on the recreation ground in Hethersett, while in Wymondham, a large crate of lager was taken from a group of underage youths who had congregated behind the abbey.

To contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team call 0845 456 4567 or visit their page at www.norfolk.police.uk