POLICE are cracking down on unruly youths in Middlesbrough in an attempt to rid the streets of bad behaviour.

Up to 115 teenagers have been returned home for causing a nuisance or letters sent to their parents, in the past fortnight in Eston, Middlesbrough, and 19 people have been stopped and searched and large quantities of fireworks and alcohol recovered.

Seven arrests have also been made for public order offences.

Police have taken action against off-road motorcyclists riding around the playing fields, with five riders reported and two motorbikes seized.

Sergeant Mick Cane, who is leading the operation by the Neighbourhood Task Group in Eston, said: "The clampdown on anti-social behaviour has been very successful over the first couple of weeks - we have had considerable problems in the area with gangs of youths congregating and fireworks being thrown.

"We are taking children back to their parents and visiting secondary schools in the area to speak to children in assemblies.

"This is getting the message across that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in this area and a robust approach will be continuing."

Eston Ward Councillor Ann Higgins said residents had noticed the area was quieter since the operation started but urged parents to know what their children were up to and who they were with.

"It is their responsibility to help make this success in the longer term," she said.