Tramp buys alcohol for children
Under-age drinking in a Shropshire town is thought to have been fuelled by a tramp who is buying alcohol for teenagers, police have today revealed.
Officers are urging residents and business owners in Bridgnorth to get in touch if they see the man handing alcoholic drinks over to children aged under 18.
The news comes just a week after it emerged parents were purchasing alcohol on behalf of their children and then leaving them to drink it in the town streets.
Constable Ram Aston said the police need help from the people of Bridgnorth in order to stop the tramp encouraging under-age drinking.
He said: "The tramp is walking the streets and we know that he is buying alcohol for under 18s but we need people to come forward and officially report it.
"None of this has been reported in a secure manner, it has mainly been just passing comments but we know it is happening.
"We need to put a stop to this as this cannot be allowed to go on."
He added: "We believe the kids are giving him the money to go and buy the alcohol for them."
Police said they believe the man is living somewhere between Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock as he is frequently spotted walking along the A458.
Residents are being urged not to give him food or money as the police believe he is only hanging around because he is being provided with provisions.
Constable Ram Aston says pointing him in the right direction of a hostel would be the best thing for residents to do in order to get him off the streets.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bridgnorth police on 08457 444888.
