POLICE attempted to clamp down on alcohol-fuelled crime, violence and anti-social behaviour at the weekend in a targeted operation.

Officers from the Newton, Earlestown and Haydock neighbourhoods took part in the Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (AMEC).

High visibility patrols covered the designated area around the King George V Playing Fields in Haydock and the Fairbrother Estate and Trees Estate in Newton, while visits were made to 12 licensed premises.

The two-day operation, on Friday and Saturday, resulted in 332 alcohol seizures, two arrests for drunk and disorderly and criminal damage. Three Fixed Penalty Notices (£80 fines) were issued.

Further operations will take place across the borough with officers taking a zero tolerance stance on drinking alcohol or carrying open bottles of alcohol in the street.

They will be clamping down on any form of violence and abusive or threatening behaviour.

If anyone is seen behaving anti-socially they will be issued with fixed penalty notices, given banning orders or arrested.

Inspector Peter Mallett said: "Members of the community have contacted us and told us that underage drinking is causing a nuisance in their area.

"As a result we have introduced this initiative to ensure that the likelihood of youths getting their hands on alcohol is greatly reduced.

"My officers will also be patrolling hot spot areas that have been identified to us and we will continue to address the issues identified as important by the community."