Nuisance youths caused mayhem around Colchester, firing ball bearing guns and hurling fireworks.
Police were called to five separate incidents last night in which youngsters, some thought to be as young as ten, were causing trouble.
Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester CID, blamed the excitement of bonfire night and Hallowe'en and called on parents to take more responsibility for their children.
In the first report, at 6.25pm, a group of 20 youths were reported throwing fireworks around in Monkwick Avenue in Monkwick.
Then more youngsters, believed to be the same group, were seen setting off fireworks near a netball court at Monkwick Sports Centre.
Police spoke to youngsters in connection with the incidents and officers plan to write to parents.
Then in Myrtle Grove, New Town, at 7.16pm, a group of children, thought to be about ten, were spotted damaging gardens.
Two of them looked like twin brothers, both with blond, cropped hair and wearing tracksuits and trainers.
At Hickory Avenue in Greenstead, at 7.50pm, residents called police to say a gang was throwing bottles in the street, swearing and causing a nuisance.
And in Foresight Road in Old Heath at 9.50pm, youths were reported to be running up and down the street firing ball bearing guns.
Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester CID, said: "These incidents probably have something to do with the unnecessary excitement generated by Hallowe'en and Guy Fawkes Night."
Published Tuesday October 29, 2002
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