POLICE plan further blitzes on alcohol-fuelled violence after officers hailed the success of a Government-backed summer campaign.

Forces in North Yorkshire and Durham joined counterparts from across the country in carrying out a number of operations from the beginning of July to the end of last month.

In total, 1,700 pubs and bars across the country were raided with the aim of catching underage drinkers.

Nearly 4,000 troublemakers were issued with fixed penalty notices and 9,500 adults and youths had alcohol confiscated from them.

Figures show that more than half of licensed premises were found to be selling alcohol to under 18s.

Police made 5,744 arrests during the period.

Chief Superintendent David Short, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "We are determined to reduce levels of alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder."

In County Durham, police targeted a number of areas, including Darlington and Durham City.

Sergeant Tim Robson, licensing officer for the north of the force area, said: "We hope the campaign sent a clear message to people and to those in the licensing trade that we are taking positive steps to tackle the kind of behaviour that can blight people's lives."

Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "This extra effort over the summer has made significant progress in tackling underage and binge drinking, and alcohol-fuelled disorder.

"This campaign will be repeated at regular intervals over the coming months and will be integrated with our drive against anti-social behaviour and disorder on our streets, making our communities safer places to live and work."