POLICE have been cracking down on anti-social behaviour by youths - and they have warned their get-tough line will continue.

Chester-le-Street community inspector Paul Anderson said two youths had been arrested for being drunk and disorderly and six had been sent warning letters, as result of the action in Ouston.

He said: "Youths have been gathering in three locations - Bradley Close, Arcadia and Cromarty - causing problems for residents. We have seized a large quantity of alcohol.

"The message is that we will not tolerate any form of anti-social behaviour and will take positive action."

Insp Anderson said officers had visited licensed premises in the village, after it emerged that adults had been buying alcohol to give to youths. He said: "We would warn any adults who are doing this that they are opening themselves up to prosecution."

Insp Anderson said if youths continued to misbehave, despite letters sent to the parents, they could be made subject of a acceptable behaviour contracts. And if this fails the police and the local authority would seek anti-social behaviour orders against offenders.

He said that police officers have also been taking action against youths causing trouble in the Garden Farm area of Chester-le-Street. Nine people had been arrested, two of whom had been charged with criminal damage.