THREE teenagers were arrested and dispersal orders were issued after alcohol-fuelled disorder broke out in Thirsk on Thursday evening (3 April 2008).

The trouble began at 5.15pm when a group of about ten youths - both male and female - were reported to be drinking and being abusive to local residents at the nearby Sowerby Flatts at Sowerby.

They then moved onto Thirsk Market Place at 5.35pm where they started to pester and verbally abuse staff at the Abbey National.

Events took a nasty turn when police officers attended the Market Place to deal with the anti-social behaviour. One of the group, a 16-year-old male from Thirsk, shouted and swore at the officer and acted in a threatening manner. He then put up a struggle and attempted to assault an officer as he was placed under arrest for a public order offence.

Two other local males, aged 16 and 17, were also arrested for affray after being extremely abusive to the police during the initial arrest.

Further police units were drafted into the town centre as dispersal orders were issued to move the rest of the group away from the Market Place.

Inspector Sarah-Jane Sanderson, of the Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “This robust response by North Yorkshire Police against the trouble-makers should act as a clear warning that we will not tolerate such behaviour in our communities.

“The issue of under-age drinking and the associated problems it brings has again raised its ugly head. We simply cannot sit back and allow this to continue.

“Patrols have been stepped up around Thirsk to combat such behaviour and we are working in partnership with local off-licenses to prevent the sale of alcohol to under-age teenagers.

“Responsibility also lies with the parents. It is their duty to ensure their child is safe and not getting drunk and causing a public nuisance.”