Boy, 10, arrested in undercover bus operation
PA MediaA 10-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and causing danger to drivers.
The arrest came as part of an undercover operation prompted by reports of "nuisance behaviour" and criminal damage targeting buses and cars in the Hemlington area of Middlesbrough.
Officers from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team travelled undercover on buses, which lead to the arrest of the boy on suspicion of four counts of criminal damage and three counts of causing danger to road users.
Cleveland Police said the 10-year-old had been referred to the Youth Offending Team, and a 14-year-old boy was also arrested in the Hemlington area on suspicion of burglary.
A further 10 young people were also identified via Middlesbrough Council's antisocial behaviour processes.
Councillor Ian Blades, executive member for neighbourhoods, has urged parents to take responsibility.
'Blight lives'
He said: "Children not even in their teens shouldn't be involved in any form of antisocial behaviour, let alone the sort of reckless acts that put lives at risk.
"Above all I would appeal to parents – you are responsible for the behaviour of your children, and you owe it to them to prevent them embarking on a course of action that could all too easily blight the rest of their lives."
The council said home visits have been conducted and diversionary activity referrals undertaken with the identified group.
Des Horton, from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, urged anyone with any information to get in touch with Cleveland Police.