A 15-year-old girl who risked her safety by wandering the streets of Alexandra alone early on Saturday, grossly intoxicated, was a "timely reminder" to residents that instances of teenagers drinking to excess did occur in Alexandra, police said yesterday.
"Alexandra police are joining the growing chorus of those concerned about young people and alcohol," Sergeant Ian Kerrisk said.
The Christchurch girl, who was staying with family in Alexandra, visited friends in Kenmare St early on Saturday morning. She was intoxicated and the friends put her to bed.
The girl began vomiting and lost consciousness and the residents of the house phoned for an ambulance.
"We are full of praise for the occupants of the house ... but we have grave concerns about how a 15-year-old managed to get so intoxicated she lost consciousness," Sgt Kerrisk said.
The girl was treated by ambulance staff and returned to her family.
She was "unable" to tell police where she had been drinking.
"We're concerned that she managed to get into this condition and also that whoever was with her, knowing she was so intoxicated, allowed her to roam the streets alone."
"There have been recent tragedies where people have died after an incident like this and this girl put her own safety at risk ... This is a timely reminder to locals that this type of thing can, and does, happen here," Sgt Kerrisk said.
