NEIGHBOURS to a North-East primary school have been praised after helping to identify three burglary suspects.

Shortly after 6.45pm on Sunday police received a report from a resident in Ryton, in Gateshead, after they heard banging at Ryton Junior School on Main Road.

Entry had been forced to the school but the alarm had then gone off and nothing had been stolen from inside the building.

Officers were dispatched to the area, arriving within a minute of the call, but those involved had already fled the area.

Neighbourhood officers carried out inquiries to trace those involved and three school-age children have since been identified and spoken to by police.

Officers have praised the vigilance of the residents who picked up the phone and contacted police.

PC Andy Hyde, of the Gateshead West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This was a great example of teamwork between police and the local community.

"They have heard a noise but rather than ignore it and get on with their evening they have checked it out and picked up the phone to call police.

"Thankfully nothing has been stolen and the school has not been damaged. Those suspected to have been involved have now also been spoken to by the neighbourhood policing team."

"I want to thank the public for their help and would encourage residents to work together with police by reporting suspicious activity.

"You are our eyes and ears in your neighbourhood and with your help we can make our region a safer place to live for everyone."

Anyone who wants to report suspicious activity can contact police on 101 or report it online at the Northumbria Police website.