Police have been bombarded with complaints of rowdy yobs causing havoc in a number of neighbourhoods.
No go area - the vandalised steps in Clacton. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN 40902-2
Reports of nuisance behaviour in Dovercourt peaked at the weekend, prompting officers to appeal for calm.
Teenagers have thrown stones at passing cars, eggs at houses and vandalised buildings.
Sgt Peter Wood, of Harwich police, said: "It was probably the worst weekend that I can remember for a long time."
The police service desk took at least 15 complaints about nuisance behaviour.
Youngsters were seen throwing eggs and kicking fences in Ashley Road, and a rail conductor complained that four youths were throwing stones at a train as it left Harwich Town Station.
Other disturbances were in Artillery Drive, Kingsway, and in nearby villages including Ramsey and Parkeston.
Vandals have badly damaged seafront steps, leaving them unusable.
The steps are opposite the junction with Marine Parade and Beach Road, Clacton, and lead down to the lower promenade.
The vandals stripped the steps of their top slabs, meaning the area had to be roped off from the public.
Tendring Council spokesman Mike Page said: "This looks like a pretty determined effort to cause mayhem."
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Wednesday, February 9, 2005
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