A GROUP of 30 children were caught drinking in North Baddesley and ran away from the police.

On Friday, March 3 Romsey Neighbourhood Police Team were deployed to a large gathering of youths drinking in the playing grounds at North Baddesley Sports Pavilion.

All 30 children ran away from the officers, initiating a foot chase before six children were detained.

READ MORE: Firefighters work through the night to tackle thatch fire near Romsey

Test Valley Cops posted on Facebook: “We asked them why they ran and asked for details. In the interim, we found a bag of half drunk and empty bottles of alcohol, which gave us grounds to search them, however, the search came back negative, but we still had their half-drunk bottles of alcohol, which we poured away.

"Details were taken, their parents were informed and all children were taken home safely.

“We have started to notice that Romsey and the surrounding areas are becoming targets of Anti-Social Behaviour, namely involving children. We are working with partner agencies to come up with things for young people to do.”

The neighbourhood police team is encouraging groups and organisations that can help by providing activities to get in contact.