Gwent Police are warning underage children to not use fake or altered identification to get into pubs and clubs.

The warning comes after increasing reports of youths using fake or altered passports and driving licenses or borrowing identification from older brothers and sisters for a night out in Monmouthshire.

In the space of a week, nine altered passports were seized in the Chepstow area.

Licensing officer for Monmouthshire, PC Nick Hilton, said: "The sight of underage drinkers in town centres can often undermine feelings of safety and that's why we are determined to crack down on this type of behaviour.

"Young people who are using altered or false ID to buy alcohol are not only having a negative impact on those around them but they are also putting themselves at risk.

"As well as the health implications, they are committing a criminal offence which could have far reaching implications on their future.

"We are working very closely with local pubs and clubs and their door staff are checking all forms of identification and can easily spot if it has been altered or is fake.

"If any form of ID is found to be fake or borrowed, it will be seized.

"The Home Office and the DVLA have also informed us that all passports and driving licences seized in this way are to be immediately returned to them.

"Any documentation that has been used by anyone other than the legal owner becomes a security risk and may be destroyed.

"If anyone is found using fake ID that they have bought, they also risk arrest.

"We are urging anyone thinking of using fake or altered ID to think twice about the consequences."