POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a spate of incidents involving youths stoning vehicles in a North-East city.

Eleven incidents were reported, involving eight buses and three other vehicles, between November 4, and December 1, in the Benwell and Elswick areas of Newcastle.

A 43-year-old woman was taken to hospital with concussion when a bus window was smashed in Scotswood Road, at 8.15pm on Monday, November 14.

In St John's Road, Elswick, youths have been hiding behind the cemetery wall before jumping out to throw bricks or stones at vehicles.

In Scotswood Road, youths have thrown the stones from behind trees on an embankment.

Sergeant Kevin Benson, of Elswick and Arthur's Hill New Deal Policing Team, said: "Officers are undertaking high visibility patrols to deter further attacks.

"We are also using covert methods to obtain evidence against those responsible. We believe that several groups of youths are responsible for this."

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-214 6555, extension 62392.