A North East college campus was locked down on Thursday (November 24) after it was targeted by an armed gang of youths.

Police officers from Northumbria Police were called to Gateshead College at around 2.40pm after a group of teenagers arrived at the construction campus, some on a motorbike, and wreaked havoc.

They are said to have made threatening remarks and smashed windows of the college building before entering the premises.

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One of the culprits is understood to have been carrying a blade.

After arriving on the scene, police arrested five males, aged 15 to 17, while another 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.

They all remain in custody at this time.

Gateshead College confirmed there were no injuries as a result of the incident and the college is open as usual.

A spokesman for the college said: “A small group of males came to our Construction Academy yesterday and made threatening remarks as well as causing damage to a window. We secured the campus and restricted access. We can confirm no one was injured.

“The police have made arrests and are holding people in custody while enquiries are ongoing, and we are supporting them with their investigation.

“The safety of staff and students is our top priority. We have no reason to believe there is any risk to other learners and the college is open as usual."

Meanwhile, Northumbria Police confirmed an investigation is underway and those arrested remain in custody.

A spokesperson for the police force said: "Shortly before 2.40pm yesterday (Thursday), we received a report that a small group of males, some on a motorbike, attended Gateshead College and made threatening remarks as well as causing damage to some windows. 

"One of the males was also believed to be in possession of a bladed article.

"Officers attended and arrested five males, 15, 16, 17, 17 and 17, on suspicion of affray. A further male, 17, was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. They all currently remain in police custody."

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