GROUPS of up to 150 youths including some aged just 12 have gone on an anti-social behaviour rampage at Inverclyde beauty spots.

Police and other local agencies are struggling to contend with the sheer volume of young people flocking to the likes of Gourock's Tower Hill, Lunderston Bay and Inverkip Beach.

Officers say huge amounts of alcohol has been confiscated from underage drinkers and now other areas - such as the former Craigmuschat Quarry in Gourock - have become flashpoints during the heatwave.

Firefighters had to call for police back-up after missiles were thrown on Saturday night while they were attending a call-out in the area and cars have been vandalised.

Officers estimate up to 70 youths were out at picturesque Tower Hill on Monday.

At around 10pm police received several reports of car wing-mirrors being kicked off in surrounding streets, including Broomberry Drive and John Street.

Inspector Julie MacDonald said: "We're experiencing a rise in complaints regarding anti-social behaviour relating to groups of young people gathering in a number of different locations throughout Inverclyde.

"Police Scotland and partners are being called to deal with large groups of young people gathering in groups of up to 150, ranging in age from12 to 21.

"Social media is used to organise these gatherings which enables the young people to quickly relocate if required, making pre-planned operations difficult.

"It is important to note that the actual gathering of young people in large numbers is not in itself the problem.

"The anti-social behaviour, drunkenness, littering, mindless acts of vandalism and general disrespect for other people's property which causes the community concern."

Police say the vast majority of local young people are responsible and well-behaved - but a hardcore minority are making life a misery for some residents.

Inspector MacDonald said: "The safeguarding of our young people will always be a priority and parents or guardians of these young people have the responsibility to ensure they are safe.

"We would like to ask parents/guardians, 'do you know where your child is when they go out?', 'do you know their friends and can you confidently say they are safe and not putting themselves into vulnerable situations?'

"Police Scotland are fully committed to working with our partners from local authority, British Transport Police and ScotRail to tackle the issues highlighted.

"A co-ordinated approach implemented last year will continue this year to disrupt groups from using the rail network to gather in large crowds as well as pro-actively targeting the sale and supply of alcohol to under age persons.

"If police or our partners have concerns around a child, parents may receive a letter or indeed be contacted to attend the area to collect their child.

"By working together we can safeguard our young people."