Cars have been used in ‘ram raids’ in County Durham villages in incidents police believe are racially motivated and may be related to riots elsewhere in the region.

Police are investigating four cases of criminal damage in which cars were used to damage business premises in east Durham.

Investigators believe all four incidents, which took place at around 9.30pm on Sunday, are linked and are instances of hate crime.

In each case the premises were “ram-raided”, although the perpetrators did not steal anything, but left the scene once the damage had been done.

Two burned-out vehicles were later recovered by police.

The targeted premises include a barber’s shop and convenience store in Wheatley Hill and a post office in nearby Thornley.

The convenience store in Wheatley Hill was targeted at the weekend The convenience store in Wheatley Hill was targeted at the weekend (Image: Contributor)

The window of a house in Wheatley Hill was also broken during the incident.

An investigation has been launched and remains ongoing.

In Darlington, two 18-year-olds were arrested after bricks were thrown at police on Monday night and there are anecdotal reports on social media of youths committing extreme anti-social behaviour in communities across the county.

Superintendent Ian Leach, from Durham Constabulary, said: “As the public would rightly expect, we have well-established plans in place to react robustly to incidents of violent disorder.

“Our message to anyone thinking of getting involved in criminality and violent disorder is clear - if you cause violence, you will face the full force of the law and we have the full backing of our criminal justice partners.”

County Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Alle it is essential that ‘everyone involved in this thuggery, or inciting it, feels the full force of the law’.   

She said: “Having spoken to the Chief Constable I am assured that the force has appropriate command structures in place to respond quickly to any disorder based on intelligence and is working closely with regional policing colleagues. 

“It is imperative that with our community leaders and partners, we all stand together against this disorder, finding strength in our shared commitment to protect our communities from harm and division.

“Police officers and staff across the country are foregoing rest days and holidays as they seek to tackle the violence that has shocked the country in the last week and keep communities safe. 

“They are facing violence when they go to work.  They are doing so with fortitude and professionalism. I applaud them all.”

Get more from The Northern Echo and stay informed with subscription. Click here to find out more.

Most read:

Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth said those involved in disorder on the streets were ‘far-right thugs’ who were committing ‘terror’ on the streets of the UK.

He said: “People need to understand the experiences of those who are victims. They’re our neighbours, friends, and co-workers.

“Nobody should be living in fear because of their heritage.”