'Over 60 youths' dispersed from Bedlington as police crack down on 'anti-social behaviour'

Teenagers have been 'dispersed' from a Northumberland town plagued by youth disorder.

For several months, locals have been reporting trouble with groups of young people congregating in the parks and public spaces of Bedlington.

On social media, reports have been shared of people tipping over bins, setting small fires, throwing stones and smashing panels in bus shelters.

In February, Northumbria Police said some of the problems were caused by children as young as 12 and as old as 19 congregating in Bedlington from nearby towns, and pledged "robust" action for those who refused to heed their warnings.

Friday May 17 saw another surge in the bad behaviour, with Northumbria Police's Neighbourhood Policing Team dispersing "over 60 youths" in the from the area.

Police said this was done "in relation to anti-social behaviour", and that those involved were believed to be from various areas including Bedlington, Newbiggin, Ashington, Blyth, Morpeth and Cramlington.

Neighbourhood Sgt Mick Aspey from Northumbria Police said: “We are fully committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and will continue working with our partners to ensure everyone feels safe and heard.

“We know the vast majority of people do not engage in this sort of behaviour but unfortunately a small minority do and this can cause issues for people, especially the more vulnerable members of our communities.

“Anyone who has concerns about anti-social behaviour can speak to a local officer, report it online at www.northumbriapolice.co.uk , or call 101.”