A schoolgirl aged 13 was found by police drunk in the street - with her mother.

Police officers were shocked to find the girl in such a condition as they continued their crackdown on under age drinking in Billericay.

Today (Wednesday), police issued a stern warning to off-licences and pubs that they have a "legal and moral" obligation to support the ongoing campaign against young drunks.

The alert came as they told how two youngsters were found drunk in the street - which they fear may signal a escalation of problems with youths over the festive season.

Sgt Steve Smith, of Billericay police said: "Under-age drinking is a big problem in Billericay and any attempt to tackle it has to be through a joint approach.

" Licensees have a legal and moral obligation to support us, alongside parents."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.