DRUNK people intent on causing mayhem at a beauty spot are to be targeted as part of a police crackdown.

A dedicated team of ­officers have launched a major operation on trouble-makers who flock to picturesque Loch Lomond.

The squad — the only one of its kind in Scotland — will target offences ranging from violence and drug misuse to anti-social behaviour and public drinking.

As temperatures are set to soar this Bank Holiday ­weekend, police vowed to stop families from being terrorised.

Inspector Neil Smith, who is leading the operation, said: "Scotland's beautiful countryside is renowned, and tourists will once again flock to this area during the summer. The last thing they want to see when they arrive at Loch Lomond is a group of 15 or 20 people swigging alcohol."

The crackdown, part of Operation Ironworks, aims to stop violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Police also vowed to target gangsters involved in serious and organised crime.

Sergeant Andy McGarvey said: "Criminals have access to boats - sometimes even stolen boats - and use them on the loch. This gives us the perfect opportunity to speak to those involved in organised crime and let them know we are in the area."

Littering and illegal campfires are also problems that will be tackled during the six-month operation.

High-profile foot patrols by police, National Park Rangers, officers from the police marine unit and dog section and will be active in the area during the operation.