Newquay under-age drinkers face police clampdown

Police have been seizing alcohol from under 18s at the town's train station

Police in Cornish resort Newquay have started a clampdown on under-age drinkers using fake IDs to buy alcohol.

Newquay is thought to be the first town in the country to set up a policy where under 18s in possession of fake ID are arrested.

Police are also using CCTV cameras in off-licences to identify people buying drink for under 18s.

The move comes as about 4,500 teenagers are expected to visit the town to celebrate the end of exams.

Town traders have helped tackle under-age drinking but say there is still a problem with false documents being used to obtain alcohol.

Officers will be meeting visitors off the train during peak times, confiscating alcohol and using a drugs sniffer dog.

Licensed premises are also being closely monitored and the council and police are seeking the revocation of one nightclub's licence for selling alcohol to under 18s.

Police also say they will be confiscating any "unacceptable inflatables" and "offensive" T-shirts.

Insp Ian Drummond-Smith said: "We recognise that families are often in Newquay town centre alongside same sex groups who act inappropriately and cause offence and upset to residents and other visitors.

"We hope this approach will have a positive impact on the quality of life for residents during the summer."