Concern at size of youngsters’ groups in city

CROWDS of up to 100 young people have been gathering in Newcastle, causing concern as the city slowly emerges from lockdown.

Parents have now been asked to work with the police to stop the disorder on Newcastle’s streets and to prevent any risk of spreading Covid.

Northumbria Police says it is stepping up patrols after reports that as many as 100 children had been gathering at Eldon Square,

Monument and Northumberland Street.

Children as young as 12 are part of large groups of young people drawn to the city as businesses begin to reopen.

But the crowds have drawn concern from shoppers and workers in Newcastle after the children were spotted drinking and acting in an anti-social manner.

Officers have already taken dozens of children home and issued them with warnings in front of their parents. However, the force has warned that many young people could face being arrested if they continue to travel to the city centre and carry out anti-social behaviour.

Chief Insp Steve Wykes called on parents to work with police to educate young people as the region moves into a post-lockdown recovery.

He said: “Lockdown has closed our schools and left children across the country unable to socialise with their friends or follow their normal routine.

“It was a sacrifice we all had to make to protect the NHS and save lives so it would be very disappointing if we undermined all that hard work as the city begins the recovery phase.

“In recent days we have seen huge numbers of young people gathering in the city, some of whom have travelled from Northumberland, Sunderland and Durham.

“This has led to reports of antisocial behaviour, drinking and disorder. When these children have been taken home, many parents have been shocked to learn what they had been up to.

“The vast majority of these children have never been in trouble with police but if this behaviour continues we will have little choice but to start making arrests.

“We are not blaming parents for this disorder but we need you to work with us to educate these young people about their behaviour.

“Many are putting themselves in vulnerable situations.”

Coun Clare Penny-Evans, chair of Safe Newcastle, said the police were carrying out “excellent” work. “Large gatherings risk undermining the incredibly hard work that has taken place,” she said.