COASTGUARDS from Great Yarmouth were called to deal with a group of drunken youths involved in a late night prank.Two lifeboats, coastguard rescue teams and the police were all involved in the operation after receiving reports the youngsters had gone out on pedaloes at Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft.

COASTGUARDS from Great Yarmouth were called to deal with a group of drunken youths involved in a late night prank.

Two lifeboats, coastguard rescue teams and the police were all involved in the operation after receiving reports the youngsters had gone out on pedaloes at Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft.

Both the boats were found empty, with one overturned in the water, but the search ended after more than hour when three boys were discovered safe and well ashore.

The youths' behaviour was slammed by police and coastguards as dangerous, especially as the prank took place at night on Thursday at 9.30pm.

A police spokesman said: “This could have ended in tragedy. It did cause concern and a number of police and coastguard resources were deployed.”