YOUNG freerunners claim they are being ‘driven out’ of Darlington and targeted by police for indulging in their extreme hobby.

The Four Freerunning Brothers (4FRB) are calling for better understanding of the martial discipline that sees them daringly scale rooftops, flip over walls and clamber across obstacles throughout Darlington.

The teenage thrill-seekers admit that their hobby is not without danger but insist it’s an ultimately harmless pursuit that keeps them fit and helps them to develop friendships and a fresh perspective on the world.

Their exploits recently caught the eye of the local authorities, prompting police officers to visit parents with warnings of anti-social behaviour.

Callum Benson, 16, founded 4FRB and claims members are committed to respecting their surroundings and the general public.

Maintaining the group had no desire to draw attention to themselves with anti-social behaviour, he said: “It’s a way of expressing pent up feelings, it’s about the rush, the adrenaline and being able to do something most people can’t.

“We get lots of positive reactions, people watching are amazed at what we bring to the streets of Darlington.

“But there’s been negativity – people say we’re getting in their way or accuse us of anti-social behaviour.

“The police contacted some of our parents but mine are just glad I’m staying active.

“We can’t go anywhere anymore without being blamed for something but we try and stay out of the way and we’re not damaging or disrespecting anything.

“It’s ridiculous the police are spending money targeting us when there are serious things going on – people are being robbed and they’re trying to find freerunners.”

Mr Benson appealed to the authorities to provide enthusiasts with somewhere safe to practice.

He said: “We have to travel to other places that have proper facilities for us and I’d like to see that in Darlington, somewhere we can go and enjoy what we love without being hassled.”

Inspector Caroline Dawson of Darlington Police invited the group to discuss issues at a PACT meeting, saying officers were not trying to spoil anyone’s fun.

She said: “If freerunning’s done in a safe place, not encroaching on private property and by experienced people capable of seeking medical attention, there’s no issue.

“We draw the line at safety issues and have seen people on extremely high roofs that were not designed for that.

“If young children saw this, they might think it’s a good idea.”