THREE youths have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after allegedly smashing house windows and throwing stones at cars.

The trio - aged 11, 12 and 13 - have been released on police bail pending further enquiries into ongoing vandalism in Ferryhill.

Residents had complained to Ferryhill Town Council that their lives were being made a misery by vandals on the site of the council's new £1m football facility alongside the A167 in the town.

As a result security has been stepped up at the site and notices have been issued to parents to check on the whereabouts of their children.

In addition police have identified the Darlington Road area of Ferryhill as a priority area for the month.

Ferryhill Town Council said tonight that as a result of the actions problems with vandalism had ceased on the construction site.

The council is now urging people to attend Police and Communities Together meetings in a bid to help to combat anti-social behaviour.

Meetings take place at 6pm on the first Wednesday of each month in the town hall.