Police to kick

Police are to carry out extra drink and drug-driving checks in a crackdown coinciding with the World Cup.

As the football tournament kicks-off on 11 June, Durham Police said officers would be increasing operations across the county.

The force said that while most drivers now accept drink-driving is unacceptable, there had been a rise in the number of people behind the wheel after taking drugs in recent years.

Insp Andy Howarth of Durham's roads and armed policing unit, who revealed the extra patrols across County Durham and Darlington, said he and his colleagues had seen "first hand the devastation that driving under the influence causes".

Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen warned crashes "often have a life-long impact" on victims and their families.

"There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of drink or drugs," she added.

"Choosing to get behind the wheel impaired is not just reckless, it is a decision that can destroy lives, including your own."

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