CONSTRUCTION workers have had to stop working on the new Newcastle to Sunderland Metro link because of vandals pelting them with bricks.

Work has been halted on at least one of the construction sites after attacks. Elsewhere, vandals are slowing down work after continually damaging property.

Children as young as three are thought to be using the construction sites on the £98m link between Pelaw Junction and South Hylton as playgrounds.

Other incidents caused by the vandals include a truck driver being injured after a brick smashed his window.

Railtrack is worried the vandalism could delay the whole project, which is due to be completed in January 2002.

Yesterday, police appealed to parents in the area to keep an eye on their children