A WOMAN attempted to drive whilst around three times over the legal alcohol limit last night - with a 5-year-old child in her car.

A police spokesperson said: "A female driver, 45-years-old, from Malton was stopped in the Market Place car park, Malton at around 9.30pm after police received information from members of the public that she had been drinking.

"Officers arrested the driver after providing a positive reading on a roadside breath test. 

"The woman remains in police custody for questioning. 

"Arrangements were made to ensure that a 5-year-old child, who was also in the vehicle, spent the night in a safe place."

Officers added on Twitter this morning that the woman had been prevented from leaving by a member of the public.

They said she blew 96ug - the legal limit is 35.

Officer Paul Cording of North Yorkshire Police said on Twitter: "Unbelievable disregard for her family and other road users safety. This is not someone who is 'just' over the limit.

"Well done @NYorksRPG along with the member of public who stopped her driving off. You may just have prevented carnage on the road overnight."