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Young drink driver surge concern

A senior police officer has described as "deeply worrying" a surge in the number of young motorists drink driving in Dumfries and Galloway.
A total of nine drivers were caught under the influence at the weekend - almost all of them in their early 20s.

They were caught as part of a police operation prompted by a spate of incidents a fortnight earlier - again all involving young motorists.

Acting Ch Insp Alan Glendinning said police want to eliminate the problem.

"We have seen during the course of this year so far a significant increase in the number of drink driving offences we have detected," he said.

He added that there were particular concerns about the rising trend in offences by the under 25 age group.

"We are focussing our attention on drink driving across the board," he said.

"The concern is particularly the increase in the number of young people drinking and driving."

Mr Glendinning added that the police wanted to make young drivers aware of what the outcome of their actions could be.

"I think the real message I want to get out is that if you are prepared to drink and drive - we are prepared to catch you," he said.

"The consequences are going to face you for a long time in the future."