FED-UP residents are threatening to take the law into their hands in a town threatened by unruly youths.

Tension in Eston, near Middlesbrough, has been described as a "powder keg, ready to blow'' by ward Councillor Anne Higgins.

"I think the police and everybody else have got to take a strong lead and read the danger signs,'' said Coun Higgins, who is also concerned vigilante action could end up with residents being hurt or getting into trouble with the police.

Residents said that up to 100 youths are meeting up in the town and throwing fireworks at passers-by and cars.

They said others are entering gardens and torching wheelie bins, drinking under-age, having sex in public and riding across footpaths on motorbikes.

Coun Higgins said: "The people of Eston have really had enough. People are talking about setting up vigilante groups and policing their own estates.

"I am concerned because I think something serious could happen. Some decent people who are just trying to have a quality of life, ending up hurt or in court and the perpetrator getting away with it.

"We need more police, we need a police presence. We need a big clamp-down and the parents to address their responsibilities.

"They should be responsible for their children."

Coun Higgins is calling for statutory agencies in the area to work together to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said work was already under way.

She said: "We are aware of the anti-social behaviour at Eston and have been working closely with the local authority, including the Eston independent councillors.

"Extra patrols are targeting the area as part of Operation Nexus, which will be paying even more attention to the Eston area in the next three months or so.

"We urge members of the public that they must act within the law. We would not accept any vigilante groups, but we would ask people to keep the police informed of anti-social behaviour in the Eston area.''