TIPSY teenagers have been causing problems all over Hyndburn, it was revealed this week.

And police have warned adults who buy booze for them that they could be prosecuted.

Last week we exclusively reported that more than 80 bottles of alcohol, including vodka, cider and beer, had been seized from youngsters in Great Harwood and Rishton in a special operation backed up by the force helicopter.

Ten drunken children had to be taken home and some cannabis was also uncovered.

Our photograph of the confiscated booze was sure to shock many parents.

But this week Sergeant Claire Holbrook revealed that the scenario was being repeated throughout the borough.

In Oswaldtwistle, a large amount of alcohol was tipped away from a group of youths playing football on the bowling green in Rhyddings Park.

Another haul was confiscated from youths who gather on Friday evenings in the Thorneyholme area of Accrington.

A number of youngsters were taken home to their parents, or letters sent home, and local off-licences visited.

In the same area, PCs Lisa Evans and Mick Walsh dispersed a large crowd of drunken youths aged between 12 and 16 who had congregated behind the pavilion on Highams playing fields and littered the area with smashed wine bottles and drink cans.

The gang ran off when challenged, but the shop that sold them the alcohol has been identified.

Although there is insufficient evidence to prosecute, warnings have been given and the shop will be targeted in future operations.

Another increase in juvenile nuisance was reported in the area of Park Street and Lee Street, Accrington, which followed reports of youngsters hanging around outside the Netto store and asking adults to go in and buy alcohol for them.

Sergeant Claire Holbrook said: "Netto is clearly blameless but has been advised of the problem. This seems to be a common factor across town but anyone buying alcohol for juveniles in this way commits an offence."