The rear light of a police car was "completely smashed" by children in County Durham whilst officers attended a job.

Officers were attending a job over the weekend (September 15) and returned to their van to find that the rear window had been smashed.

Witnesses claimed that the damage was caused by two children who "ran away".

(Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

The vehicle has now been taken off the road for repairs as police urge parents to monitor their children's "not okay" behaviour.

A full statement from Durham Police reads: "Last night one of our officers was working with neighbourhood colleagues. They returned to their vehicle after a job to find this.

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"The rear light cluster is completely smashed and the van will now be off the road whilst it is assessed and repaired. Witnesses indicated this was two children who then ran away.

"This means one less vehicle on the roads able to respond to incidents. Do you know where your children go on an evening and what they are up to? Do us a favour, ask them.

"This behaviour is not okay."