BATTLING youths on a housing estate have been targeted by police in a crackdown on violence and disorder.

Northumbria Police are responding to complaints from residents that youths were regularly meeting to fight, causing violence and public disorder in Farringdon and Thorney Close, in Sunderland. PC Paul Mann, community beat manager for Thorney Close, and PCs Craig Pattison and Paul Johnson, beat managers for Farringdon, have been visiting Sandhillview and Farringdon Comprehensive schools to talk to pupils.

PC Mann said: "We are concerned about the behaviour of a relatively small group of young people who get involved in violence with other youngsters.

"This is not a situation that the police or the community will tolerate and we are taking firm action before the problem escalates.

"We've made 15 arrests for offences of violent disorder since the end of February. We will be speaking to a number of youths who we believe may also be involved."

This week, officers are distributing 500 leaflets around Farringdon, East Herrington and Thorney Close to give residents advice about anti-social behaviour and reassure them that officers are keen to receive information from residents to resolve the situation.

PC Mann said: "Police need help from the community to provide a long-term solution to this problem.

"We need information about who is causing the problem, where this is happening and when, to take further decisive action."

"We would ask residents to look out for this leaflet and, if they have any concerns, to contact the police by completing the tear-off strip and returning it in the free envelope, or by telephone if more urgent."