Teens travelling to Carrick fordrinking sessions

Groups of local teenagers are being boosted by youngsters making their way to local “hot spots” in the centre of the neighbouring town.

As well as Newtownabbey, youths are said to be making the trip from Larne and Belfast to join in underage drinking and drug-taking.

Recently, two teenagers, aged 13 and 14, were rushed to hospital after apparently taking “Ecstasy” tablets at Carrick’s Marine Gardens.

In response to a rise in anti-social behaviour in Carrick, including the Clipperstown railway halt and town’s war memorial, Sunnylands and Woodburn Community Development Group is holding a public meeting at Sunnylands Primary School to address the issue.

Chairperson Michael Clarke said: “My phone is ringing constantly with complaints. Parents should be accountable for their children’s actions. We would urge as many parents as possible to attend the meeting to discuss what action we as a local community can take to educate our young people about this risk-taking behaviour and long-term implications.”

Police have issued an urgent appeal to parents over a “stone throwing craze” and called for parents to “take responsibility”.