POLICE are to increase patrols in a town's harbourside and beach after reports of youths throwing bottles that have been filled with flammable liquid and set alight.

Local councillor Dorothy Clegg said people were frightened by the incidents in Whitby, North Yorkshire. She said: "I am urging residents to report incidents immediately to the police so action can be taken."

Wheelie bins have been stolen and later found burnt out in Henrietta Street, Tate Hill and Church Street. Children as young as eight are believed to have been in gangs that have caused havoc and thrown lit bottles.

Coun Clegg said dozens of beer cans and bottles have been found on Tate Hill Beach, and that fishermen have had lobster pots taken and destroyed.