A POLICE team has moved into a Wearside school and is ready to meet members of the public.

The Sunderland South Community Team, made up of five constables and a sergeant, will be permanently based at Silksworth Infants School.

They will be equipped with bicycles to cover their new beat and to supplement their regular foot patrols.

The team will initially target house burglary, youth disorder and anti-social behaviour, but say they also want to hear from the community about their concerns.

Sergeant Steve Baker, who heads the team, said: "The office accommodation within the school is ideal, not only will we be able to spend valuable time with pupils during lessons but we will be available to make contact with their parents, carers and other members of the public.

"We want to establish a community based police presence, not just covering the area of Silksworth, but also Doxford Park, Grangetown and Ryhope."

Headteacher Gillian Mitchell said: "We are delighted to be able to provide a base for the police in our school."