Police concerned over levels of youthful drunkenness

Police hit out at drunken youths today after officers were attacked with stones in two areas of the North.

Fire crews were also pelted as troublemakers blocked and set a road alight in Killyleagh, Co Down, overnight.

Damage was caused at Cross Street where the disturbances were centred.

Meanwhile, violence flared in Armagh when revellers spilled out of city centre pubs after midnight.

Large crowds gathered and began hurling a barrage of rocks and other missiles in a two-hour attack on police.

One officer was slightly injured as the force attempted to restore order at the Moyle Road roundabout area.

Seven people, including one juvenile, were arrested and later released by police.

A spokeswoman added: “Police have raised concerns over the number of young people in a drunken state causing the disturbances.”