POLICE in north Durham have warned youths of the dangers of throwing missiles at buses after making several arrests for criminal damage and anti-social behaviour offences.

The arrests follow a crackdown on youths who have been throwing objects at buses in the villages of Great Lumley and Newfield, near Chester-le-Street, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Chester-le-Street Community Inspector Dave Anderson said: "Over the last couple of months, there has been a spate of incidents of youths throwing missiles at buses in the front street of Great Lumley.

"Sometimes they miss, but have broken windows on a number of occasions.

"Fortunately, nobody has been hurt, but this is extremely dangerous and can have potentially lethal consequences.

"It could quite easily cause a bus driver to have an accident."

Insp Anderson said some of the youths have been throwing compressed soil with a pebble in the middle to give the missiles added weight.

He added that officers had been working with the bus company to tackle the problem, with stepped-up patrols.

Four youths have been arrested in connection with incidents in Great Lumley and a further three youths in connection with incidents in Newfield. They have been variously charged or cautioned.

Police are expecting to make more arrests in Newfield.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact 0845 60 60 365.