Two boys, 15, held after rash of graffiti

The 15-year-olds, from Hull, were questioned in connection with more than 14 incidents of criminal damage in the village last month.

Both admitted causing some of the damage and have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Thousands of pounds of damage was caused in the Cottingham area between 10.30pm on Monday, October 4, and 8.30am the next day.

Seven vehicles, four garages and a wall all had graffiti "tags" or other markings sprayed on them, leading to a police appeal for help in identifying who may responsible for the tags "UTC Crew", "Bad Boys", "10 UK", "Ice", and "UB Crewe".

Cars, vans and property in Link Road, Kingsway, Longmans Lane, Kingtree Avenue and Newgate Street were all targeted.

A wall alongside the King William IV pub, in Hallgate, also had a tag written on it, and empty spray cans were found in the courtyard of the pub.

Speaking after the offences were reported, Pc Steve Morley, of Cottingham Police Station, said: "To deliberately or recklessly destroy or damage someone else's home or vehicle by marking other people's property can cause an enormous amount of distress, inconvenience and hassle.

"Graffiti is a criminal offence and is taken seriously by the police and council."

He also issued a warning to retailers who may be selling spray paint to children.

Three years ago, four Cottingham boys were arrested after a series of tags were sprayed on garages, bus shelters and other property.

Two were released without charge, one was given a reprimand and the other was referred to a Youth Offending Team. Anyone with information can call 0845 6060 222.