GANGS of under-age drinkers have been enjoying booze-fuelled outdoor New Forest parties - with alcohol supplied by their parents, say police.

Superintendent Barry Talbot told parish leaders in Hythe that groups of more than 100 rowdy youngsters have been hitting the bottle at locations such as Gang Warily in Blackfield.

And police believe many of the youngsters are being dropped off for the drinking sessions with booze from their mums and dads.

New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis slammed parents who supply their children with alcohol. He said: "If this is true it's an extraordinary situation. Charities such as Streetwise are trying to wean youngsters away from under-age drinking and will face an uphill struggle if some of their parents are actively helping to break the law.''

Members of Hythe and Dibden Parish Council heard first hand from residents how teenagers are making their lives hell.

One woman, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said gangs of youths had started to congregate at Ewart Recreation Ground since Easter.

She said neighbours were too terrified even to peer out of their window in case the youths knocked over fences or damaged property. She said: "The people living near Ewart Rec are frightened and terrified. They're very worried people.''

Supt Talbot said: "There's evidence in Gang Warily the kids are bringing alcohol with them or their parents are delivering them with alcohol."

Insp Mick Buckle, attending the meeting with Supt Talbot, said his officers at Hythe would look into the problems at Ewart Rec. Supt Talbot said: "If the crimes are not reported we can't tell what's going on."

After the meeting Alan Glass, chairman of Fawley Parish Council, said a security guard had been drafted in to cut down on rowdy behaviour at Gang Warily.