THE policeman in charge of licensing issues in County Durham has spoken of his anger after being threatened by an underage drinker with a knife.

Sergeant Tim Robson, who works in Chester-le-Street, was cycling home from the police station on Saturday at 6.30pm.

He was not wearing his uniform and travelling up the town's Front Street when he spotted three young men drinking cans of lager and hurling abuse at passers-by.

Sgt Robson stopped when the group began swearing at him, but had to call for back-up when one produced a lock-knife.

He said: "Twice he took steps towards me and was lunging towards me with the knife.

"He was on a mission and there is no doubt that if I hadn't moved, he would have caught me."

Sgt Robson told the boys more police were on their way, and kept a safe distance away as he followed them.

A young man was arrested and a knife was recovered from bushes nearby.

Sgt Robson, who helps co-ordinate test purchases of drink to identify traders who sell to youngsters illegally, said: "This young man could very easily have been brought down with a Taser stun gun.

"We have seen all too many times that most incidences of violence are alcohol-fuelled.

"This makes me all the more determined to find out who is selling alcohol to people underage and stop them from doing it."

A 17-year-old, from Chester-le-Street, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Consett Magistrates' Court yesterday. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Consett Youth Court tomorrow.

The incident happened on the same evening as a Northumbria Police officer's was life was saved because he was wearing a stab-proof vest when he was attacked on the Tyne Bridge. A man was restrained by police officers using a Taser and a police dog.

Barry Munro, 23, of Hebburn, South Tyneside, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with attempted wounding with intent, intent to resist arrest and possession of offensive weapons. He was remanded in custody and will next before the court on August 28.