RESTAURANTS were forced to shut early on Sunday due to the 'appalling behaviour' of a number youths.

On Sunday, police were called to reports of antisocial behaviour in a number of premises on Hartlepool Marina.

A spokesperson for Hartlepool Neighbourhood Police Team said staff and customers 'witnessed appalling behaviour' with some outlets forced to close because of it.

Officers will carry out further investigations and view CCTV to find out those responsible.

The police spokesperson added: "This sort of behaviour is taken very seriously by Cleveland Police and will not tolerated.

" It is unacceptable that staff in the fast food outlets have to be subjected to such disorder.

"Make sure you know where your children are and what they are doing."