TWO young boys made up a story about being attacked with a makeshift flame-thrower to cover up a dangerous prank which backfired, police said.

The pair, aged 11 and 12, told police they were attacked by three men who turned an aerosol can into a flame-thrower as they walked along Flint Walk, in Hartlepool, last month.

Officers believe they tried to blow up a litter bin, and the prank went amiss. Both youths were interviewed under caution, and admitted making up the story.

An 11-year-old boy from Hartlepool, who was injured in the incident, has been reported for summons for the offences of causing wasteful employment of the police and criminal damage to the litter bin. He will be summonsed to court on a date to be fixed.

A 12-year-old boy, also from Hartlepool, will receive a final warning for the offence of causing wasteful employment of the police.

Superintendent Steve Ashman, district commander for Hartlepool said: "I am disappointed that the boys decided to fabricate the story.

"I hope that police action will send out a message that false allegations are a serious matter and will be dealt with accordingly."