Drunken youth lucky to be alive

PSNI issue underage booze warning

A YOUNG man found unconscious in a park is “extremely fortunate” to be alive, the police have revealed.

The drunken youth, who had consumed so much he was more than four times over the drink-drive limit, had to be treated in an intensive care unit.

Officers said the incident in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, is the latest example of a “worrying trend” of young people drinking themselves unconscious.

A Dungannon and South Tyrone PSNI spokesman posted on Facebook: “In separate instances, a teenage girl and another teenage boy were also found passed out and required first aid from members of the public prior to the arrival of emergency services.

“While there is no definitive evidence any other substances had been taken by the youths, what we are certain of is large quantities of alcohol had been consumed by each and this is of huge concern to us. We are appealing to our young people to exercise some good sense when it comes to the issue of drinking.

“Not only is it illegal to buy alcohol under the age of 18, consuming it, and particularly consuming a lot of it, can have a serious impact on your health and your personal safety.

“Each of the young people discovered were in such conditions they were incapable of looking after themselves and were extremely vulnerable.”

Police urged parents to know where their children are and who they are with.

The spokesman added: “It is important to have a conversation with them to ensure they know the dangers of drinking and in particular the excessive drinking we have started to see.”

The PSNI said they will increase patrols in the area and visit supermarkets and off-licences to remind them not to sell to under-18s.

Members of the public were also reminded buying alcohol for those underage is a criminal offence.