ACTION against children running riot on the Eston hills has resulted in a further two arrests and the confiscation of an air rifle, an axe and six-inch combat knife.

The latest Cleveland Police operation, at the weekend, followed hot on the heels of the previous successful purge after reports of rival gangs of armed youths causing havoc on the hillside.

Between 30 and 40 children had been camping out on the landmark Eston Nab, near Middlesbrough, at weekends armed with a range of lethal weapons.

The youths, with an average age of about 14, had been ripping down fences to use as firewood, resulting in livestock escaping.

Despite fewer youngsters taking to the hills, Sgt Andy Dark thinks the message has still not got through and urged parents to be vigilant.

He said: "Anyone caught carrying dangerous weapons will be arrested. I would again urge parents to ask what their children are up to."

The police decided to take action after reports that two sheep had been slaughtered, cattle deliberately frightened, fences and hedges ripped and barbed wire fencing damaged.

A motorcyclist also had his bike confiscated as he had previously been warned about riding his motorbike on the hills.