AGGRESSIVE and intimidating young people who have been terrorising a community since nights got darker are now facing arrest and criminal prosecution, police have warned.

Over the past week, a group of male and female youths have been gathering in Stanley town centre, abusing and threatening staff at various shops.

Durham Constabulary said they have been ‘bullying and intimidating’ members of the public, including families with young children.

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The group has also been behaving in a frightening and abusive manner around homes in the Reynolds Close area where there are number of elderly residents and Stanley Care Home.

There have also been incidents of violence, criminal damage, thefts and burglary for which arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.

Officers have now urged parents to know where their children are during the evening, and warned anyone involved in disorder risks being arrested.

A spokesman for the force said: “The overwhelming majority of children and youths across Stanley conduct themselves excellently and are a credit to themselves and their families.

“The behaviour of this group is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Three years ago, at the same time of year, up to 100 teenagers surrounded police in the town centre before a mob attacked officers with fireworks and bricks and a community officer was punched in the face.

Police said several young people have been identified already this time around and they are working with Durham County Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Team, Social Services, Durham County Council Housing Team and Youth Offending Team to tackle those responsible and address underlying issues.

The spokesman said: “As individuals are identified we will continue to make arrests for criminal offences and work with partner agencies. Frequently, we find that when we deal with those responsible the parents are shocked when they learn what their children have been doing.

“To the thousands of children and youths in the Stanley area who behave impeccably and treat others with respect – thank you for setting a positive example. You far outnumber those that don’t.”

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