A VANDAL has been warned they could be jailed for setting fire to a speed camera designed to cut accidents on a North-East's blackspots.

The Gatso camera on the A66 eastbound carriageway, opposite the turn-off for Urlay Nook, was destroyed.

Tyres were placed around the camera and trailer and set alight on Tuesday night.

It is feared the lack of a camera could lead to an increase in accidents on the stretch of road, near Longnewton, known locally as Death Mile.

Mick Bennett, of Cleveland Safety Camera Partnership, said: "Whoever did it has not given any consideration to people's lives. The camera was put there to protect people."

In the past nine years, there have been 41 incidents on the stretch of road, resulting in 83 people being killed or injured.

Mr Bennett said: "There is £40,000 to £50,000 worth of damage there.

"If they get found guilty at court, they could well get sent to prison.

"In actual fact, it was the second attack in three days. They poured petrol on the base of it on Saturday.

"That did not do any damage, but I suppose they have come back, seen that the camera is still there and decided to finish the job off."

Mr Bennett said mobile cameras will be set up to ensure speeding motorists will still be caught.

Police believe it may be someone who had been caught speeding.

A man has also been seen placing traffic cones over the lens of another camera in roadworks on the outskirts of Hartlepool. Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01642) 301552.