Eight people have been arrested or reported by Irvine police over recent antisocial behaviour incidents and alcohol-related disorder in the town centre.

Irvine Locality Police have conducted both plain clothes and high visibility patrols in areas identified as hotspots over the past two weekends (September 21/22 and September 28/29).

Reports have now been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal over the offences – which also included alleged possession of a knife, possession of alleged class A and B drugs and threatening or abusive behaviour.

Officers also seized more than 30 litres of alcohol from underage youngsters and detected a man allegedly purchasing alcohol from an off licence on behalf of children.

Sergeant Jason Peter, of the Irvine Locality Policing Team, said: “We are committed to keeping people safe and will work with our partners and communities in doing so.

“It is disappointing that a small number of people continue to be intent on negatively impacting on the area by engaging in antisocial behaviour and criminality.

“I would appeal to their friends and associates to challenge their behaviour, to parents and carers to discuss the impact alcohol can have on their child and generally to thank the community for their continuing support as we work to make Irvine safer.”

Anyone with concerns about cr ime in their community is encouraged to contact their local policing team by calling 101.

Parentline is an impartial, non judgemental listening ear for parents and carers. They can be contacted on 08000 28 22 33.