More than 60 children suspected to be involved in stone throwing at vehicles in two Middlesbrough estates

Police have identified more than 60 youngsters suspected to be involved in throwing missiles at vehicles in two Middlesbrough estates.

Officers say that someone will be killed if youths continue to throw bricks and stones at moving vehicles in Pallister Park and Park End.

And officers are speaking to parents of more than 60 youths - aged from 11 to 16 - who they believe are involved in the anti-social behaviour.

They are urging parents to keep a closer eye on their children and educate them about the dangers.

There has been numerous incidents since October last year.

Four cars were damaged earlier this month in the Ormesby Road and Pallister Park area and last month, a passenger of a vehicle was injured when a brick was thrown through a car window.

In October, three boys were arrested for throwing missiles at vehicles - mostly taxis - in the same area in Middlesbrough.

Police are warning youths to stop throwing missiles at vehicles in the Pallister Park area. (l-r) Neighbourhood Safety Team manager Sharon Carr, Temporary Neighbourhood Inspector, Neil Deluce and Neighbourhood Safety officer Julie Pearce

Temporary Neighbourhood Inspector Neil Deluce said: “The problem started in the run up to Mischief Night last year and there has been spates of incidents since then.”

Mr Deluce said the main area the behaviour is happening is outside the entrance to Pallister Park.

He said: “There are a lot of cars which back and forth on that road and these youths just do not think of the consequences of their actions.

“We have had a number of damaged cars but thankfully no one has been seriously injured.

““Those responsible are committing outright criminal acts and they are not even thinking about the potential consequences of their actions.

“We are doing everything within our power to stop these incidents from happening but it’s also down to local parents and guardians to play their part in knowing where their children are and what they are getting up to on an evening.

“We don’t want to have to knock on their door to tell them that someone has been seriously injured or worse as a result of the actions of their child.”

Police have issued dispersal orders to disband groups of youths who may gather in the area.

More officers and additional resources have also been put in place.

Police and officers from Middlesbrough Council, including neighbourhood safety officer Julie Pearce, are meeting parents to discuss behaviour and warn them that children could be issued with anti-social behaviour orders, warnings and criminal proceedings if they are caught.

Sharon Carr, Middlesbrough Council neighbourhood safety team manager, said: “Action against all those involved is ongoing and possible tenancy action will also be considered against those parents living in rented accommodation.

“Colleagues from our Stronger Families department will also be on hand to engage with the young people in an attempt to divert them away from being involved in actions which could result in serious injury or worse.”