POLICE have launched a hunt for parents who plied their children with alcohol before a mass party that ended with trouble on the streets.

Officers are determined to track down those who supplied beer and spirits to boys and girls as young as 16 as they headed off for a night out.

And any subsequent legal action could result in parents facing fines of up to £5,000.

It follows an incident on Saturday night, when 50 teenagers gathered in Lyndhurst High Street after being kicked out of a party.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, people as young as 16 were carrying bottles of beer as well as spirits such as vodka.

Couples arriving to take their children home told police that youngsters laden with alcohol had been dropped off by their parents earlier in the evening.

Last night Hampshire Police confirmed that parents could be prosecuted under laws relating to the sale or supply of alcohol to under-age drinkers.

He added that action could also be taken against any teenagers found to have been drinking in public.

“A local beat officer will be making inquiries and appropriate action will be taken if required,” said the spokesman.

Cllr Pat Wyeth, who represents Lyndhurst on the district council, said: “We've got a scheme in the village under which no alcohol is sold anyone under 21.

“Licensed premises are trying to be responsible and I'd like to see parents act responsibly as well.

Daily Echo:

Cllr Pat Wyeth

“Any parents found to have given their teenagers alcohol should by approached by the police and spoken to quite severely. If it happens again, prosecution may be the best way forward.”

Officers were on patrol in Lyndhurst on Saturday night when they found the youngsters loitering in the street near the Post Office.

Sergeant Chris Taylor, of Hythe police, said they had been at a party that got “out of hand” when uninvited youngsters turned up from other parts of the district.

When the parent of the teenager holding the party returned home he threw the party-goers out.

Under the law, anyone over the age of five can drink alcohol at home.

People aged 16 or 17 are allowed to drink beer, wine or cider on licensed premises, but only if they are having a meal with an adult.

However, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to consume alcohol in public places such as streets and parks.