POLICE arrested three boys and two girls this week in connection with serious vandalism at Consett YMCA.

The five 13 to 15-year-olds have been released on bail while police further investigate the vandalism and theft, valued at £4,500.

It was revealed that £1,300 worth of property has been recovered since the break-in on the weekend of January 26 and 27.

Police said yesterday there had been a good response from the public after it was revealed vandals had broken in through the ground-floor door at the YMCA, which adjoins Consett police station, on Parliament Street.

Last week, police explained the vandals had damaged furniture and fittings, discharged fire extinguishers and stolen thousands of pounds worth of property.

A spokesman for the YMCA said: "It has been a difficult time but all the staff have rallied round and the response from the community has been tremendous. I'm happy to say we're open for business once again."