EXTRA police are being drafted in to patrol a centre of a city’s nightlife over the summer to tackle "yob culture".

Over the coming weeks, more patrols will be mounted in North Road, which is one of the busiest streets in Durham City after dark.

Police say they plan to clamp down on drunken and loutish behaviour, targeting all anti-social behaviour from littering to abusive language.

Chief Inspector Colin Williamson said: "Everyone is entitled to enjoy a night out and Durham City with its wide variety of bars and clubs is a magnet for thousands of people of all ages.

"However, as in many other places, there is a minority who think they can do what they want, where they want.

"The reality is they can think again.

"The summer brings many visitors into the city and the last thing that should be on show is a yob culture."

The crackdown is part of Operation Summer Nights, a police campaign to tackle the nuisance caused by teens during the summer holidays throughout County Durham and Darlington.

Chief Insp Williamson said: "High visibility patrols will be out and about and officers will be instructed to confront and deal immediately with any yobbish behaviour."

He added: "We want to hammer home the message that such behaviour is not wanted and will not be tolerated."

People with information on criminal behaviour or activity in the North Road area are urged to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.