The Sunday Sun reported that the boy, too young to be prosecuted for a criminal offence, was nabbed in Cumbria for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The boy was breathanalysed and then taken into police custody. It was then that the officers were left stunned when they learnt about his age.
"It's incredibly concerning that young people, many of whom will have had no formal driving tuition, are risking their own and other's lives on our roads.
"This must be addressed as a matter of urgency. It is a clear example of why we need road safety education...," Kath Hartley, from the Brake charity that campaigns for lower speed limits and other aspects of road safety, was quoted as saying.
"Young people must be taught the dangers of getting behind the wheel without proper training."
Published 15 May 2011, 09:54 IST