SHOPKEEPERS are being asked to ration the sale of eggs to children.

Retailers across Middlesbrough are being urged by Cleveland police to restrict eggs sales to young people in the run up to Mischief Night and Halloween - to prevent them being used as missiles.

It is part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour - and a bid to prevent a repeat of the mayhem caused on Mischief Night last year.

"Mischief Night has been imported from America and young people are using it as a licence to commit anti-social behaviour," said Inspector Gary Gamesby, of Middlesbrough police.

"They need to be clear we will not tolerate such behaviour.''

Extra police patrols are being drafted in for trick-or-treat night, to be deployed from a specially set up command room at force headquarters.

There will also be police mobile video teams out on the streets.

"This kit is a marvellous tool to capture poor behaviour on video, to show parents, or if necessary, a criminal court," said the inspector.

The police will have back up on Mischief Night, Halloween and Bonfire Night from police community support officers and council street wardens.