VIOLENT troublemakers will be receiving an extra Christmas card this year - from the police.

Northumbria Police is taking the unusual step of sending some of its best-known offenders a festive greeting, warning them to stay out of trouble over the holidays.

The card features a Big Brother-style eye on the front cover and the message inside reads: "Don't use violence, don't get involved in violence. Merry Christmas from your local police."

Dozens of copies of the card are being sent out by the Safer South Tyneside Partnership, a joint police and council project aimed at reducing crime and disorder across the borough.

Inspector Jerry Goulding, South Tyneside Area Command, said: "We want to send a timely message to people who have committed acts of violence in the past that we will take swift action if they re-offend.

"We hope they will use it as a 'stay out of jail free card'."

He added: "If these individuals behave themselves then they too can enjoy a happy Christmas, but if they persist in acting in a violent way, we can have them locked up for Christmas.

"If you receive one of these cards, our advice is think before you act - we want to see crime and violent attacks reduced over the festive period.

"The aim of this initiative is to reassure the public that we are looking at a variety of methods to keep people safe across South Tyneside, which also includes the unusual step of sending Christmas cards."

The cards are being sent to people convicted of violent attacks on South Tyneside - and also those the police believe are at risk of offending.

Councillor Joanne Bell, South Tyneside Borough Council's spokesperson Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "Violence is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it.

"We welcome any initiative that aims to combat violence. We want all of our residents to have a nice Christmas, and if these cards can make people think about the consequences of violent acts, they will be very worthwhile."