Youths seen starting park fire as action continues
Sunderland City CouncilCouncil action to tackle anti-social behaviour at a park where animals were reportedly killed is ongoing, after youths were seen starting a fire.
Sunderland City Council shared an image of the suspected group and said some of them had been identified, following reports of the blaze at Barnes Park on Sunday.
Residents previously told the BBC they did not feel safe, with one councillor claiming the park was being "terrorised" by youths on bikes wearing balaclavas.
The Labour-run local authority said neighbourhood wardens were conducting regular patrols and suspected perpetrators had been contacted.
Northumbria Police, which currently has a live investigation into reports of animal cruelty, has been approached for a comment about the fire.
A group of people were seen harming rabbits on 14 June and people have described seeing animal remains at the park over recent weeks.
Deputy council leader Kelly Chequer said: "We fully acknowledge the concerns raised regarding Barnes Park and share the commitment to ensuring residents feel safe and supported in our open spaces."
She said a Motorcycle Disorder Team and three Anti-Social Behaviour Officers patrolled the park on Sunday.
"Fly-tipping is being removed as a priority, and several home visits to suspected perpetrators are being completed in response to specific issues," she added.
Chequer confirmed no incidents had been spotted during the patrols, but youths were reported on social media to have set a fire on Sunday evening.
She said several members of the group had been identified.
"Enquiries will continue, and where appropriate, parents will be contacted and action such as Acceptable Behaviour Agreements will be considered," she said.
"Following previous incidents, three Acceptable Behaviour Agreements have already been issued with investigations to identify others ongoing."
Chequer added options to enhance CCTV were being looked into, including "suitable columns, tree foliage and lighting assessments".
There are currently five cameras at the park.