Fourteen pupils nabbed in truancy sweep

Teams patrolled area around schools and shops questioning school-age youngsters.

Of the 14, 12 had valid reasons for not being at school. Ten of these turned out to be out-of-town youngsters on half-term from schools elsewhere.

Of the remaining two, one was accompanied by parents and the other was returned to school using police powers under the Crime and Disorder Act.

A spokesman said: "The parents of any young person found out of school without valid reason are contacted by our education welfare service and schools are also notified of all pupils stopped and questioned.

"Where necessary, pupils are returned to school using police powers under the Crime and Disorder Act."