SNIFFING burning wheelie bins will only harm you, is the message from the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

A video by Lee Aspery, the service's fire investigation, arson reduction and young people manager, made the plea to youngsters following a spate of incidents in the Durham area.

Youths are known to have stolen wheelie bins and taken them to woodland dens, where they set fire to them and sniff the toxic fumes as part of a national craze.

But in his video, Mr Aspery said the fumes - containing dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide - would not allow someone to "get high".

He said: "You're not going to get high. You're actually poisoning yourself.

"I can't stress how dangerous it is for you to breathe in that smoke."

Mr Aspery warned of the dangers of sniffing the fumes, which can knock someone unconscious with just three breaths.

Police officers have increased patrols in hot spot areas and are engaging with young people to deter them from crime. Durham County Council Street Wardens have also increased patrols to help reassure the public the streets are safe.

Residents are asked to help prevent such incidents by storing bins out of sight and using a security chain to anchor it in place if possible.