Police are stepping up patrols after drunks shouted lairy comments and were seen vomiting on Whitehaven harbour.

Officers will carry out early rounds of the marina and town centre following reports of morning drinkers causing a nuisance.

Copeland police say they will ensure that people are adhering to the public space protection order (PSPO) which is in place to prevent drinking on the streets.

It comes after a group of drunken men shouted inappropriate comments at a young mother and baby who were out for a morning walk on the town’s harbourside.

Chloe Dixon, 18, said : “We were on the harbour and they were shouting, ‘good morning, beautiful’ at my eight-month-old little boy.

“I was mortified, to be honest, as they were definitely intoxicated. I rushed away with him as it would be different if they were sober but it’s not the sort of people anybody would like their child around.”

Paul Armstrong said he was walking on the harbour with his puppy at about 8.30am, when he was approached by the group of men, who he had witnessed shouting and throwing up.

“Anyone should be able to walk without being approached by drunks like that,” he said.

“It’s very intimidating for those who aren’t prepared to stand up for themselves.”

A spokesman for Copeland police said: “We are taking robust action against any such anti-social behaviour in order to ensure Whitehaven remains a pleasant place to live and visit.”

Brian O’Kane, mayor of Whitehaven, said anti-social behaviour in the town is becoming “a real cause for concern”.

He said: “At the moment there seems to be a lot of anti-social behaviour. It’s so frustrating.

“This type of behaviour is unfortunately spoiling everything for people who just want to go out and get on with life, as difficult as it is at the moment.

“My heart goes out to any mum who’s having an early morning walk and her and the child are abused by drunks. It’s an absolute disgrace. There’s no excuse for that behaviour. It’s awful.”

The PSPSO was introduced to areas of Whitehaven town centre by Copeland Council in 2019 to deter anti-social behaviour.

Failure to comply with public space protection order can result in a fixed penalty of up to £100 or a fine of up to £1,000.