A MAN has allegedly been caught buying alcohol for 12-year-old girls and boys.

East Ayrshire police launched an investigation after a 19-year-old was reported to the Procurator Fiscal for allegedly purchasing booze for minors at a shop in Woodstock Street.

The incident allegedly happened at around 3.30pm on Saturday with the man being accused of supplying children aged between 12 and 14 years old with alcohol.

Police are now appealing to parents and carers to consider where their children are and what they are getting up to following recent incidents of concern.

Officers have been responding to local concerns regarding underage drinking, anti social behaviour and disorder involving young people in the area.

Inspector Jason Peter, of Kilmarnock Locality Policing Team, said: “It is concerning that young people have ready access to significant quantities of alcohol and this is an issue we are working with our partners and the licensed trade to tackle.

“Underage drinkers are far more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol due to their height, weight and the fact their bodies haven’t yet fully developed.

“They are more likely to take risks, become involved in criminality and to be the victim of crime when under the influence.

“We are involved in a number of initiatives to provide young people with the information they need to make positive lifestyle choices and support our partners in providing a variety of diversionary activities as an alternative way to meet with friends and engage in activities in a safe environment.

“We are appealing to anyone with information on those supplying alcohol to children to call us on 101 or to call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“We also encourage parents and carers to speak with their child about alcohol, its effects and the risks posed to them. In the coming weeks we will provide further information on our work with our partners to tackle issues of local concern.”