POLICE have pledged to crack down on thuggish behaviour in a community and have appealed for information about a selfstyled gang of youths operating in the area.

Consett neighbourhood Inspector Andy McConnell said those involved, and their parents, should be aware of the drastic consequences that can now follow.

Officers are working with Derwentside Homes to target troublemakers terrorising their communities.

This could lead to eviction, or a change in tenancy agreements.

Insp McConnell said: "Parents need to be prepared to face the consequences of their child's actions, and seek to control their activities and stop them getting into trouble."

He said that police have been monitoring the activities of the so-called Grove Street Elite (GSE), who have been plaguing residents in the Grove area of Consett.

In one incident last month, in the early hours a man was left with severe facial injuries. In that incident, three teenagers - two aged 19 and one aged 16 - were charged.

The juvenile and one 19-yearold are accused of affray, while the other 19-year-old is charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.

All three are from the Grove area and will appear before Consett Magistrates' Court on Thursday, January 31.

They are on police bail with an 8pm to 6am curfew, which will be checked by police every night.

Insp McConnell said: "We have been aware for some time of a number of youths using the GSE tag, and it has been apparent that many incidents in this area have gone unreported to police.

"It is essential that people provide us with the information needed to target such groups.

"Every piece of intelligence received, no matter how small, can help build up the case for us to take action."

He added: "It is important that residents do not tolerate this type of behaviour.

But it is also important that they do not take the law into their own hands, and take action themselves.

"Direct confrontation by them could have tragic results as was seen elsewhere in the country recently."

Anyone with information on the gang can call Crimestoppers, on 0800-555111, or PC Glen Cutts or community support officer Sarah McGregor-Smith, on 08450- 60-60-365.