'Intoxicated' youths throw vodka bottles into pontoon amid anti-social behaviour at River Hamble Country Park
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Groups of 13 and 14-year-olds were involved
Groups of drunk teenagers were causing problems at a popular beauty spot.
Vodka bottles were thrown into the pontoon and an ‘intoxicated’ girl was laid out on the gravel at River Hamble Country Park. Officers were conducting patrols at the pontoon where the incidents occurred.
“Sadly there was a large group of young people affecting the families on the pontoon,” PSCO Mica Woodcock said in a statement on the Hampshire Alerts website. “Several of the group were seen by multiple members of the public drinking vodka and one girl was also laid out on the gravel path believed to be intoxicated. A parent was contacted.
“Several alcohol bottles had been thrown into the river as we approached. Some of the young people were helpful in attitude and behaviour, but some were rude, obstructive and refused to cooperate. Bags were searched for alcohol (as we have the power to do so), but none found, which was no surprise as bottles of vodka were retrieved from the water by the harbour masters boat. A couple of smaller groups of young people on the land that is near the pontoon, were not involved in this at all.”
Youth anti-social behaviour has been growing in recent weeks amid the scorching temperatures. Dispersal orders were put in place at the Hotwalls in Old Portsmouth and across parts of Southsea. A “dedicated police presence” will continue all week after incidents over the bank holiday weekend.
Temperatures soared to around 30C and groups of around 150 people gathered, showing “aggressive and intimidating” behaviour which involved chasing vehicles down the street, shouting, and swearing. Many were intoxicated by alcohol.
PSCO Woodcock, of the Hedge End Neighbourhood Policing Team, urged parents and guardians to speak to their children about water safety, drinking alcohol, and how theyr behaviour can impact others. She added: “Everyone wants to have fun in the sun, but intoxicated 13 and 14 year old is not acceptable and a massive safety risk, especially when next to deep water.”