More than 110 people were arrested for drink or drug driving during the Euros football tournament in County Durham and Darlington, it has been revealed.

Over 800 checks on drivers across the county were carried out by Durham Constabulary during the tournament from June 14 to July 14.

Subsequently, 114 drivers were arrested for drink and drug driving over the 30 days.

Of these, 54 were arrested for drink driving, 52 for drug driving, and eight for failing to provide a sample of breath or saliva.

Car safety checks were also carried out which found problems and defects with several vehicles.

Inspector Paul Ryans, from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “The feedback we’ve had so far from motorists during these checks has been overwhelmingly positive. 

“We want to make County Durham and Darlington’s roads as safe as possible, and a big part of this is taking drivers off the road who choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“This behaviour is not only selfish and reckless, but it could potentially kill someone – either yourself or another innocent road user.

“Please, don’t become our next statistic. If you know someone who drives under the influence, do the right thing and report them.”

Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, added that driving under the influence of drink or drugs shows a blatant disregard for human life.

“Just last week we have heard the tragic case of eight-month-old Zackary Blades and his auntie, 30-year-old Karlene Warner, who were killed when Darryl Anderson drove a car while nearly three times over the legal limit for alcohol,” she said. 

“A car in the wrong hands is a lethal weapon and zero tolerance is the only solution in town.

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“I want to see more enforcement on the roads to deter drink and drug drivers. Drivers need to know that there is a very real risk of being caught if they attempt to drive under the influence. 

“This will also have an impact on drug use such as cannabis and cocaine. It’s shocking that, nationally, figures show that of those stopped during Operation Limit 48% tested positive for drugs. 

“It is utterly unacceptable to drive on our roads under the influence of drink or drugs and I am determined to deter those who continue to risk it.”