A 14-year-old has been arrested after causing criminal damage to a vehicle in the St Matthews area of Preston.

Police attended an incident on Edmund Street, and a number of youths ran away from police patrols, with one being detained and arrested on Percy Street nearby.

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Police have received multiple daily calls over the past couple of weeks from members of the public reporting groups of young people throwing stones at moving vehicles around Deepdale Road, New Hall Lane and Blackpool Road.

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PC Mark Bickley of Preston Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “These types of incidents are dangerous and could result in someone becoming seriously injured. Police custody is no place for a child, and we are appealing to parents to ensure their children are not becoming involved in antisocial behaviour leading to criminality.

“These problems are exacerbated by the Covid-19 restrictions which are being disregarded by young people congregating in groups to commit offences.”

The boy has since been released and referred to Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Service.

However, patrols around these areas have been increased. Referrals will be made to Social Services and young people detained by the police risk receiving a criminal record.

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