Police have issued a warning after rowdy youths 'started fires' in a County Durham village.
Durham police have received "numerous reports" of fires being deliberately started in the Pelton area, near Chester-le-Street, and are carrying out enquiries to identify those responsible.
"We are urging parents and carers to speak to their children about the extremely serious consequences of deliberately starting fires," the force said.
"There have been numerous reports from members of the public around fires being started by youths in the Pelton area as well as anti-social behaviour."
"The neighbourhood team are currently carrying out enquiries to try and identify suspects."
Police urged parents to speak to children about the dangers of fire. (Image: DURHAM POLICE)
Images from Pelton show a large area of grass left scorched as another sees flames bursting from a treeline as white smoke drifts across the field.
Officers warned that what may appear to be harmless fun can quickly have serious consequences.
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The force added: "What may seem like a bit of fun can quickly get out of control, putting lives, homes and wildlife at risk.
"Children can also face serious consequences if they are found to have deliberately started a fire.
"Police are encouraging parents to know where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing, adding that "one small fire can have devastating consequences."