YOUNGSTERS risking their lives by taking part in the deadly craze of lamppost-tipping are being hunted by police.

Gangs of youths have discovered they can push over and smash concrete streetlight posts by rocking them back and forth.

Officers have been called to three incidents in Stanley, County Durham, and fear someone could be badly injured or even killed.

PC Natalie Hulse said: "It does not bear thinking about what would happen if it came down on top of someone, or in front of a car.

"There are also concerns about live wiring, so we have to keep people away from them until the power is turned off.

"It is happening on public rights of way and a lot of people walk their dogs in the area."

A lamppost was toppled in Reynolds Close at 7.25pm on November 28, and another in Burns Close the following evening, at 8pm.

A third was pushed over and fell over a road on a path near King's Head playing fields the same night, at 9.10pm.

Police were called and contacted the highway management team at Durham County Council, who came out and demolished the pillar for safety reasons.

PC Hulse said: "Residents have heard the noise and come out to find rubble all over the road.

"The feeling is that it is being done by mindless youths who are running amok and causing chaos late at night.

"One was left at an angle and the others have been smashed completely and had to be shovelled up.

"We think young people are just showing off in front of their mates, but someone could be seriously hurt."

It is believed the damage has cost the council £1,500 so far.

Roger Elphick, head of highway management at the council, said: "We are aware of what has been happening and are investigating the cause with the police.

"Obviously, causing damage to the posts like this has serious safety implications and we would urge people to leave them alone."

Two youths who admitted responsibility for the incident at Kings Head playing fields have been arrested and will be attending a reprimand clinic at Consett police station in the new year.

They are likely to given official police warnings about their behaviour.

Police are urging anyone with information about the other incidents to call 0845-60-60-365.