West Yorkshire's Chief Constable has warned that a significant number of young people in Britain are drinking themselves into oblivion.

Sir Norman Bettison claims cheap booze offers and lengthy opening hours are contributing to excessive drinking.

He was outlining his concerns at a conference in Leeds today. West Yorkshire Police and Safer Leeds are hosting the second National Alcohol Conference at Leeds Town Hall, to explore new ways of tackling disorder and problems associated with alcohol.

Sir Norman said: "Some young people are drinking themselves into oblivion, often using a cocktail of drink and drugs to get themselves into an almost unconscious state.

"What is happening raises a host of health, societal and policing issues."

The chief constable was expected to suggest that late-opening licensed premises might contribute towards safe detox facilities for those who have had too much. The polluters' as in other aspects of society should pay for the consequences of their business," said Sir Norman.