Patrols stepped up after arsons in County Durham village

OFFICERS have stepped up patrols in a County Durham village after a series of arson attacks caused damage to a cricket field and tennis courts.

The patrols in Bournmoor, near Chester-le-Street came as a Dispersal Order was put in place by the Chester-le-Street Police neighbourhood inspector on Thursday night.

This was in response to an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area, criminal damage and a number of cases of arson.

A police spokesperson said: "Anyone suspected of causing anti-social behaviour in the highlighted areas below will be given a dispersal order banning them from those areas.

"If this is ignored, they will be arrested. Last night alone over 20 notices were issued. There will be extra officers on patrol this evening to tackle those involved.

"Damage has been caused to the cricket ground with fires being set on the cricket field and tennis courts, over 40 bottles of alcohol seized from teenagers, wheelie bin fires being set, and firefighters are then being attacked when attending these incidents.

"The police are not here to parent your children. Do you know where your children are?

"This is not acceptable behaviour and as a result of this we have had to take intrusive action to try and control the anti-social behaviour in this area."