Police tackle mayhem on Teesside's 'Mischief Night'

It's a night renowned for bother.

And this year's instalment of so-called 'Mischief night' proved no different.

Troublemakers were out in force heaping misery on everyday people in a spate of mindless incidents including fireworks being launched, windows smashed, a play park on fire and eggs hurled.

Around 60 additional officers had been drafted in, with many having to cancel rest days to cover the evening - dubbed "Operation Autumnus" by authorities.

Hot spots were reported in several parts of Middlesbrough the Berwick Hills, Thorntree and the Brambles Farm area where it's claimed gangs were up to no good. Incidents were also reported in locations in other parts of Teesside, including Ingleby Barwick and Stockton.

In Thorntree neighbourhood inspector for Middlesbrough Darren Birkett collared a youngster found in possession of a plastic pipe - his intentions for having it were not clear.

After a stern talking to and taking the youngster's details, he was allowed on his way after locals vouched for him.

Elsewhere, reports flooded in of youths launching fireworks at passing vehicles in the Linthorpe Road area.

A gang of youngsters was spotted in nearby Gresham but they quickly fled down a dark street when approached by officers.

As a policy, officers are told not to pursue fleeing youngsters for fear it only encourages them.

Many of the youths know the estates inside out and have no trouble making off from the law.

It was a familiar theme throughout the night.

Hemlington was another flashpoint for bother with one of the evening's more concerning calls coming from a 93-year-old pensioner reporting being plagued by a gang who kept knocking on her door.

The traditional throwing of eggs associated with 'Mischief night' was one of the most common complaints, with incidents involving gangs reported in Acklam, Easterside and Marton Manor.

Later in the evening Cleveland Police said it responded to reports a group of 60 youngsters involved in a disturbance in the Marton area.

And it wasn't the only large gathering of the night, with around 40 to 50 yobs armed with fireworks targeting cars on Darlington Back Lane in Stockton.

A play park was also damaged near Macbean Street in North Ormesby after it was mindlessly set alight.

Superintendent Sharon Cooney issued a strongly worded statement, describing how the night before Halloween has now “ramped-up to mindless vandalism and blatant criminality".

She said: