Drugs and large quantities of drink were seized when police swooped on drunken teenagers partying in broad daylight on a North Yorkshire playing field.

Officers went into action after a gang of more than 70 youngsters - mostly under age - gathered on the Ethel Ward playing fields in Haxby yesterday afternoon.

Bottles of wine and vodka, dozens of cans of lager and a small quantity of cannabis were seized as school bags and satchels were searched.

One 16-year-old, described as "paralytic", was arrested for his own safety.

David Selby, a deputy head at Joseph Rowntree School, stressed that not all the youths involved were from the school.

He pledged that the half day would not be repeated next year.

Later, gangs of teenagers were reported creating disturbances in Haxby and Wigginton well into the evening.

Police seized yet more alcohol and recovered another quantity of cannabis after dispersing more than 100 youths from playing fields in Wigginton.

The playing fields party has become almost an annual event in Haxby as pupils from Joseph Rowntree School celebrate an early finish, prior to GSCE examinations. For many the day also marks the end of compulsory education.

But for those living nearby it has proved a major headache as rowdy behaviour and a trail of broken bottles and empty cans follow in its wake.

Police swooped to break up the party as drunken youths lounged in the sunshine, swigging spirits and boasting about quantities of booze consumed.

Using new laws which allow them to seize alcohol from under-18s drinking in public, police amassed an alarming variety of drinks, many stowed under bushes.

A tin containing a quantity of cannabis and a half-smoked "joint" were also recovered.

Leading the operation, Sgt Tim Bright, from Strensall Police Station, said the problem had gone on long enough.

He said the raid was made in response to mounting concerns from residents He said: "To my knowledge this event has happened for the past two years, maybe longer.

"We had a lot of problems last year with kids being drunk, smashing bottles and leaving a sea of broken glass behind them.

"I am extremely concerned about the response from some of the children who say their parents have provided them with this drink and actually condone their behaviour.

"The parents of all the children involved in this can expect a visit from the police."

Dr Selby said today: "This won't be happening next year due to a number of issues.

"The students have been told that they are expected to have a dignified end to their compulsory education. I do not regard this as dignified."

He added that action would be taken against any pupils identified as committing specific offences.

But head teacher Hugh Porter also levelled criticism at the way police handled the operation.

He said: "I am very concerned that the police did not contact the school before this so we could work together to prevent it happening."

See COMMENT Why the party must be over

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