RESTAURANTS and takeaways were targeted and a member of public assaulted as nuisance youths descended on Consett.

Consett Police last night took to Facebook to reprimand the large group of youngsters who caused issues in the town centre by throwing snowballs.

A spokesperson said: "One takeaway owner was seriously concerned about the fire risks as youths entered his shop throwing snowballs.

"If water had got into the deep fat fryers the result could have been disastrous.

"By all means children should enjoy the snow but do not act in an anti-social manner."