Vandal attack spree 'heartbreaking' for town

Youths have been vandalising the parks and bowling greens of Spennymoor

Vandals have repeatedly struck around a town's park, damaging a bowling green, bus shelters and a playground, among other things, in a wave of anti-social behaviour.

Police have responded by deploying an extra 26 officers to Spennymoor town centre in an effort to prevent more crime around Jubilee Park.

County councillor Billy McAloon described how night after night of attacks had been "heartbreaking" for the community.

Officers said they are working through a "vast amount of CCTV images" to identify those involved in the recent crime spree.

McAloon said: "It is now happening nearly every night.

"Recent acts of vandalism include the destruction of the Jubilee Park bowling green, the defacing of memorial benches, the smashing of bus stop shelters and shop windows.

"The deliberate burning of children's play equipment, fields and local woodlands are not only unacceptable, they are heartbreaking.

"We get kids throwing bricks and smashing bus shelters, we just don't know how to stop it."

Some of the attacks have involved setting fire to playground equipment and trees

A town council spokesperson said: "Jubilee Park is one of Spennymoor's crown jewels. By working together, we can keep it that way."

Durham Police has promised more officers to follow the initial 26 extra patrols.

The force said: "Regarding these specific incidents, the team is currently working through a vast amount of CCTV images to identify those involved who will be dealt with accordingly."