A MAN has been arrested after a spate of graffiti in Sunderland.

The graffiti had been sprayed on items such as bus shelters, walls and playgrounds across the north of Sunderland, including Hylton Castle, Downhill, Southwick, Redhouse and Castletown.

Police investigating the incidents are keen to hear from anyone who has witnessed the graffiti or owns any property that it has been sprayed on. It's believed there could be up to 50 incidents across the area.

PC Andy Topping, of Sunderland North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "People might think graffiti is a low level offence and doesn't harm anyone, however, the anti-social behaviour of a small minority is left for all to see and can cause a disproportionate level of fear of crime.

"The cost of removing the graffiti can often be substantial and people have to look at this on a daily basis and get upset about what's happening in their community. It's outrageous that so much graffiti has been displayed in just a few of weeks over such a wide area."

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and has been released on police bail.

Anyone with any information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.