GANGS of youths have been throwing missiles at the police fighting, spitting, and damaging vehicles over the weekend in a supermarket car park.

Police have now put a dispersal order in place in Ingleby Barwick to help tackle the issue and are asking the public for information on those involved.

And MP Paul Williams is also involved, speaking to police after being told shoppers were being intimidated by the gangs.

The order came into force on Sunday afternoon after large groups of youths gathered outside the Tesco superstore on Myton Road and started fighting.

It was also reported that a female member of Tesco staff had been spat at by one of the group.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "On officers’ arrival the group ran from the scene, refusing to engage with them and even throwing items at them.

"Although police have already identified some of the young people, inquiries to identify all those involved are on-going and we would welcome the public’s help with this.

"We have also received a report of damage to a car by a group of young people at the same location, at around the same time. And later that evening, just after 8.20pm police received a call from the store, again reporting intimidating and abusive behaviour from young people outside the shop entrance."

Neighbourhoods Sergeant Gavin Wiedman said: “It was extremely disappointing to hear of this behaviour and its effects on those who were simply trying to carry out their work at Tesco and on people trying to shop there in peace.

“My team has been working hard and has already identified some of the individuals present at Tesco’s yesterday from CCTV. We are in the process of visiting them and their parents or carers together with our partners in Stockton Council ASB team. We will deal positively with any young people identified as responsible for any criminal offences.

“To help prevent any recurrence of these incidents, we have now been authorised to put a dispersal order for the area bordered by Barwick Way, Blair Avenue, Barwick Lane and Ingleby Way from 4pm this afternoon (Sunday).

“Romano Park falls within this area and we encourage children and young people to use and enjoy it as normal, especially as we are now in the half term holiday period. However anyone we see causing distress, alarm or harassment – or anyone we believe is intent on doing so - will be ordered to leave the dispersal area.

“I have also met with local MP Paul Williams to reassure him that police are doing all they can to tackle antisocial behaviour in Ingleby Barwick. Finally I would urge parents and carers to speak to their children about what is and what isn’t acceptable behaviour.

Dr Williams said: ’I've been at Tesco, Ingleby Barwick talking with the police about the action they are taking to reassure our community that this is a safe place for everyone.

"After speaking with Cleveland Police over the last few weeks on this escalating problem as well as with our police and crime commissioner I’m glad to see this strong response, however we have stretched resource in police numbers. I hope to see positive changes in Ingleby Barwick and, as always, I’ll continue to fight in Parliament for more funding for the Police in our area."

  • Anyone with information about the disorder is asked to phone Cleveland Police on the 101 number, quoting Event 27292. If you have information on the damage to the car please contact us on 101, quoting Event number 27420.