Extra patrols tackling underage drinking and confiscating alcohol from youths are starting tonight.

Youngsters drinking in streets and parks across Oxfordshire will be targeted in a two-week crackdown to coincide with school half-term holidays.

Police will target known drinking hotspots and anyone under 18 found with alcohol will have their booze confiscated.

Insp John Fox, Thames Valley Police's alcohol and violent crime co-ordinator, said: "Under 18s put themselves at risk by getting drunk and losing control.

"Some young people who get drunk go on to become either a victim of crime of an offender causing vandalism or committing antisocial behaviour."

Police also hope to gather information on licensed premises selling drink to under age people.

Prof John Newton, regional director for public health at NHS South Central, said: "Underage drinking is a real concern for the NHS. The damage that drinking causes at such a young age is a tragedy and can be easily underestimated by the young people concerned."

Police spokesman Rebecca Webber said: "It is not specifically an offence to have alcohol in your possession. There will only be arrests if there is a public order offence."