POLICE pledged to restore order to a troubled east Durham estate when they launched a zero-tolerance operation.

The crackdown on the Station Estate, in Murton, began at the weekend when extra officers were drafted in to deal with disruptive young people.

The ongoing operation is a direct response to continuing complaints from people living in the Short Grove and Station Estate areas, who say they are fed up with the anti-social behaviour of groups of youths.

Reported incidents have included youths urinating through letterboxes, taking part in threatening behaviour and damaging property.

In some of the more serious incidents, residents have reported hooded and masked youths threatening rape and violence.

In response, more than 20 officers went on patrol on Friday and Saturday evenings and additional police and community support officers have been drafted into the area to continue the operation.

At the weekend, 24 youths were stopped and questioned about their behaviour and more young people have been questioned this week.

Promising a hard-line approach, Inspector Gary Fraser said police were determined to restore peace and order to the estate.

He added that while zero tolerance "is not my normal day-to-day style'' he warned the youths and their parents and carers that disruptive behaviour would not be tolerated.

He said: "We are targeting patrols at specific times with the specific brief to officers to look out for those causing trouble.''

And while the approach will be uncompromising, he revealed those policing the operation would also be contacting education welfare officers andYouth Engagement in an attempt to achieve long-term good behaviour.

But he said: "Residents have had enough.''

And speaking metaphorically, he warned: "If we come across a particularly hard nut among the offenders we will combat him or her with a particularly heavy hammer

"We would rather restore order with the help and consent of the young people concerned, but if we do not get their co-operation, they should be very clear we will take enforcement action.''

He also urged parents and carers who were finding it difficult to control their children to get in touch with any of the support agencies.