POLICE and councillors are appealing for information after the latest spate of vandalism in Prudhoe saw a bus shelter in a residential area smashed up.

The glass sides of the bus shelter on West Wylam Drive were smashed and empty bottles of alcohol left behind.

Police say they were not informed about the damage until Sunday, although the incident is believed to have occurred on Saturday night.

This comes after concerns have been raised in Prudhoe about anti-social behaviour in various areas of the town in previous months.

Prudhoe Town Council said that although reports from Saturday night suggested that a large group of young people were drinking and throwing stones at residents’ windows, none of this was reported to police. The council has urged people to report any instances of anti-social behaviour.

And county councillor for Prudhoe South, Coun. Gordon Stewart, who cleared up the mess left behind on Sunday, urged people not to buy alcohol for someone who they think may be under 18.

He added: “Such behaviour is totally inexcusable, I ask that anyone who has information about this or any other crime contacts the police or Crimestoppers.

“A lot of disorder and damage can be linked to excessive consumption of alcohol, traders are asked to support the community by carrying out stringent checks before selling alcohol to help reduce the chances of it ending up in the hands of under 18s.”

Prudhoe Town Council said the damage will cost in the region of £1,000 to repair.

Northumbria Police said inquiries were ongoing and anyone who saw anything or has information about the damage should contact: 101 quoting log 343 11/03/18.