A 32-year-old Irvine man has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for allegedly purchasing alcohol on behalf of young people age 13 and 14.

Officers on plain clothes patrol in Townhead, Irvine allegedly observed the man handing over a quantity of alcohol to three girls, two age 13 and one age 14, after purchasing it from a nearby shop a t around 2.45pm on Saturday, December 9

The man has since been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for alleged licensing offences.

Sergeant Jason Peter, of the Irvine Locality Policing Team, said: “Alcohol can have a detrimental effect on the health of our young people and as such we are committed to working with our partners, communities and licensed premises to target this type of crime.

“As part of our Keep Xmas Safe initiative we have increased patrols in the area and will be working with our partners to offer advice to festive shoppers, party goers and drivers on staying safe at this time of year.

“I would encourage anyone with information on those supplying alcohol to underage young people to contact us.”

To contact your local policing team call 101 (in an emergency always dial 999).

Information can also be provided via the independent charity CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.