THE war on drink-fuelled crime continued on Friday night as police mounted high-profile patrols in Bolton town centre.

Officers called at bars along Bradshawgate as part of Operation Townsafe, which was launched in March in a bid to clamp down on underage drinking, drink-fuelled violence and drug use.

Bars were found selling alcohol to children as young as 14 in five out of nine premises visited as part of a Trading Standards sting.

A number of arrests were made also for a public order offences.

But thousands of high-spirited revellers in Bradshawgate enjoyed an otherwise trouble-free night out, although one youth who tried to spoil the party was collared by officers.

Chief Insp Pat McKelvey, the man leading the drive to restore Bolton's reputation as a safe place to visit, said the town's night time economy was being well managed.

He said: "The message is getting across. Licensees are getting on board and inviting us in and people are saying that seeing more police on the streets makes them feel safer."

The bi-monthly patrol saw dozens of officers visit Bolton nightspots to reinforce the message of responsibility being taken up by bar and club owners.

Chief Insp McKelvey said: "There's the need for us to constantly tighten up. We can never stop youngsters from coming out and trying to buy alcohol but we will make it very clear to the licensees that it will not be tolerated.

"Those that we have found tonight will be spoken to and if we don't see changes, they will be cautioned."

Police will also continue to hand out fixed-penalty fines of £40 to £80 to troublemakers.

The crackdown on loutish behaviour will continue over the coming months as police continue to work with other agencies including Bolton Council's night-time ambassadors, the new night-time manager and marshals funded by bars.

Chief Insp McKelvey said: "You saw tonight that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in the town centre. I have enough officers to cope with zero-tolerance policing if that is needed."

Bolton's night time manager, Laura Miseo, who joined the patrol for the first time, said: "The things the police are doing are clearly working and I look forward to a successful partnership with them."