Knife arrest, fights and damage in Sedgefield as youths flood town

Police and several agencies have met over the growing numbers of youths congregating in Sedgefield which culminated in the arrest of a 13-year-old girl for possession of a knife this month.

Crowds of around 150 are now believed to be travelling from as far as Peterlee, Wingate, Durham City, Bowburn, Ferryhill and nearby villages the Trimdons, Fishburn and Bishop Middleham.

On Thursday officers, county and parish councillors, youth workers and school representatives were among a team to gather at Sedgefield Parish Hall to discuss how to tackle the issue.

Inspector Sarah Honeyman said: “Over the coming weeks partners will be working together to reduce the numbers of youths visiting from outside the village.

“Once this is achieved a working group from the partners will come together to explore funding opportunities with the aim of providing somewhere for the youths to meet.”

According to the force, many youngsters are dropped off by parents who view Sedgefield as a “safe place”.

Police have previously used dispersal powers to move groups of youths from areas where their presence is causing concern among residents.

And while there have been some instances of minor criminal damage, arranged fights and the teenage girl’s arrest, Insp Honeyman insisted the vast majority of youths are well behaved and are not committing offences.

“Current data shows that in reality there are very few reports of actual anti-social behaviour in the village - it is more the perception created by large gatherings,” she added. “I would appeal to parents to know where your children are, what they are doing and above all, not to supply their children with alcohol for their evenings out with friends.”

As a result it was agreed the partner agencies would work towards “striking a balance” between helping residents feel safe and allowing the children to “enjoy being young people and “ enjoying meeting their friends in their own area”.