PARENTS have been accused of supplying alcohol to underage drinkers in a Hampshire parish blighted by antisocial behaviour.

Fawley residents packed a public meeting last night to protest about the violence and other problems being caused by gangs of drink-fuelled yobs.

Several speakers blamed irresponsible parents for some of the trouble that was occurring in Fawley and nearby Blackfield.

They claimed that couples had driven their children to places such as Calshot Beach and dropped them off for the evening "with crates of booze".

Residents also alleged that underage drinkers were obtaining alcohol from some licensed premises in the area.

Chief Insp Gary Cooper, one of several police officers at the meeting, said 200 young people had been stopped over the summer and more than 220 vessels of alcohol confiscated.

He added: "I accept there may have been issues with licensed premises but parents are a bigger problem."

The meeting was called following an incident involving Indian sailor Gregory Fernandes, who collapsed and died after being attacked by 20 youths in Church Lane, Fawley, last month.

Mr Fernandes, 32, was assaulted as he and a friend were returning to their ship, which was moored at Fawley refinery.