POLICE have complained about having to 'babysit' unruly children in a County Durham town.

Officers in Stanley say they are regularly called to incidents involving youngsters in the town centre.

Posting on Facebook on Thursday night, an officer wrote on the Stanley Police account: "Another night spent reacting to incidents of unruly children, acting in an antisocial manner in and around Stanley Town Centre.

"It's the same 20-30 day after day (though only around 15 today due to the cold).

"Please find out where your kids are and what they are doing on an evening as when we are baby sitting them for you, we are less able to respond to other incidents."

Commenting on the site, one resident wrote: "Shame the youth centres and that have closed now.

"Then they would of had somewhere to go. I personally wud (sic) rather get a taxi instead of bus when they are in or around bus station as i feel intimidated by them."

Another wrote: "They think they're big and funny causing mayhem 

"They end up with criminal records which some think it makes them look clever. Some regret it when they can't get a job because of their stupid childish behaviour .

"I'm fed up with hearing it's because they've nowhere to go. It's because their parents don't care how disruptive their brats are and allow them to run wild."

A third wrote: "We used to hang around in groups when we were younger and were maybe a bit loud, but these nowaday are on another level."