Children as young as 10 may face spot fines

Children as young as 10 could face on-the-spot fines of up to £40 for anti-social behaviour - including drinking - in the Home Office's latest bid to clamp down on troublesome teenagers.

The scheme is to be piloted in seven police forces before going nationwide.

Although the fines will be issued to children for offences ranging from vandalism to misuse of fireworks and harassment, their parents would be liable to pay the fines and could face jail if they did not.

Hazel Blears, a Home Office minister, said fines were "particularly appropriate" for young people as they could be kept out of court.