POLICE have taken action to stop large gangs of youths congregating on church grounds.

Police received several calls from residents about large groups gathering at Holy Trinity Church, Church Road, Prestolee.

And three offenders, aged between 17 and 22, were arrested for public order offences and issued with £80 fixed-penalty fines.

Police targeted the church grounds and the surrounding area last weekend.

Several cans of lager were taken off the youths, and the names of the off-licenses where they bought them were passed to trading standards.

Sgt Shane ONeill said most of the youths were receptive to what police had to say but three did not listen and were arrested.

He said: "It is a shame that among these youths there were several who wanted to give us cheek and backchat to try to look the part in front of their friends.

"These youths were arrested without hesitation for the public order offences they were committing, and this should send a clear message to the groups of youths that we will not tolerate such anti-social behaviour."