Arrest after attack on man and car at lake

Police have imposed a dispersal order after a spate of anti-social behaviour and reports of youths brandishing machetes.

Residents near Singleton Lake say the area has become blighted with brawls among groups of youths shouting racist abuse and dealing drugs.

Paul Misely said he saw 15 police cars at the lake on Tuesday last week.

He said: “There were reports of youths with a machete and firearms a few days before. The police moved on at least 15 people. There was criminal damage to the area, with wildlife shot at and more.”

Then on Wednesday night last week police were called to an incident in Monkton Close, Stanhope, where a man in his 20s was reportedly beaten up and had his car smashed in.

It follows reports of antisocial behaviour in the area, with PCSOs seizing catapults off youths attacking wildlife.

Police say they have received reports of problems around Singleton Lake, but said no offensive weapons or firearms had been found from the incident on Tuesday, July 19.

A 17-year-old arrested in connection with the incident ion suspicion of causing criminal damage and assault has been bailed until October.