POLICE are asking parents to take responsibility for their children after a spate of attacks on the homes of pensioners in a village.

Youths have been throwing eggs and other objects at pensioners' homes in the Ennerdale Grove and Loweswater Grove areas of West Auckland.

They have also been setting fire to bushes, and police are appealing for help in preventing further incidents.

They hope residents can help them identify the offenders, and are asking parents to act on signs that their children may be involved.

PC Andy Hucker, West Auckland's beat officer, said: "I'd like to make a point to the parents as to what their children are doing. If they're setting off fires, they will smell of smoke. If they're throwing mud balls, they'll be muddy.

"If they're willing to set a good example, then a warning given to the kids will be enough. When your kids are out in the hours of darkness, what are they up to?"

PC Hucker reiterated that police are working as hard as they can to tackle anti-social behaviour in the village but needed the public to help them.

"Members of the public are going to parish councillors and criticising the police for not doing enough," he said.

Anybody with information is asked to contact PC Hucker on 0845 6060365.