TWO teenage boys were arrested after a spate of graffiti attacks in a village.

The graffiti is alleged to have been painted Sunday night in Barley Moor, near Chester-le-Street.

Gateshead South neigbourhood inspector beat officer Dave Masson said police had received reports of more than 20 attacks around the village, with graffiti sprayed on fences and garages.

Two boys, aged 14 and 15, have been arrested for causing criminal damage.

Mr Masson said: "There was quite a significant amount of graffiti sprayed around the Barley Moor area.

"It was not only costly to remove but also extremely unsightly and upsetting for people living in the area.

"It was due to information passed to us by the community that we were able to make early arrests.

Anyone with information about the graffiti is asked to contact the police on 0191-214-6555 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.