Hawick Sevens under-age drinking arrests

A number of arrests have been made in connection with under-age drinking at a rugby sevens tournament in the Borders.

The incidents at Hawick Sevens came after a plea to the public not to consume excessive amounts of alcohol.

An 18-year-old has been reported to the procurator fiscal after police seized drink from a group of 15 to 17-year-olds at the tournament.

A 14-year-old girl was also found intoxicated outside Mansfield Park and charged with a breach of the peace.

In another incident, a 16-year-old boy was arrested by officers after he was found to be under the influence of alcohol.

He had been ejected from the ground, however he was arrested a short time later for a breach of the peace.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "The vast majority of the spectators had an enjoyable day and didn't allow excessive consumption of alcohol to spoil their experience.

"We will continue to challenge under-age drinking and disorderly conduct at the Borders rugby sevens events and the summer festivals.

"We urge people attending Langholm and Peebles sevens events this weekend to drink responsibly and to enjoy the day."

Meanwhile, in Galashiels, police seized alcohol from two boys aged 15 and 16 in separate incidents on Saturday.

A spokesman said: "Officers routinely look for underage drinking as part of their patrols and will confiscate alcohol from youths and inform their parents.

"The alcohol has to be obtained from somewhere and police will always attempt to identify the source whether it be a shop selling to underage youths or an adult buying alcohol on behalf of underage friends."