SERIOUS damage was caused to two shops when fireworks were thrown into them.

In the first incident, at about 8.30pm on Wednesday, a boy aged 13 or 14 and wearing a black balaclava and dark sports coat, rode a skateboard into Wingate Pizzas, in Front Street, Wheatley Hill, County Durham.

He dropped a large rocket on the floor and rode out, leaving it to explode into the wooden ceiling and cause extensive damage.

About half an hour later, a skateboarder rode past the Oriental Kitchen, about 100 yards away, and threw another firework in. Again, it exploded, causing damage.

Acting Sergeant Jonathan Wrigley, of Peterlee police, said: "The youngster or youngsters involved may have been doing it as a prank or dare, but the truth is, it was reckless in the extreme and could have been very much more serious. It was lucky no one was hurt, and fortunately the damage was not as bad as it could have been."

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked ti contact police on 0191-586 2621 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.