POLICE are tackling youth disorder and related crimes in a Wearside town following an appeal from residents.

Community beat managers in Houghton-le-Spring are working with a number of other agencies, including Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Housing Group, to combat anti-social behaviour such as graffiti, underage drinking and other offences.

The town's community beat manager, PC Alan Cox, said: "We are running an operation to arrest offenders and work with agencies to deter youngsters from becoming involved in crime.

"Officers patrolling Houghton town centre provide a highly visible police presence.

"Young people who are found on the streets where disorder is reported will be stopped and questioned."

Officers will follow this up by sending a letter to the parents of the children, describing the circumstances in which they were spoken to by an officer.

Anyone with information about crime in Houghton-le-Spring is asked to contact the community beat managers on 0191-454 7555 ext 66526.