News

YOBS who vandalised a seafront shelter were made to clean up their mess after the police caught them in the act.

Southend firefighters were called when a group set fire to rubbish in a shelter near Clifftown Parade, Southend.

Police also attended, caught the vandals and made them clear up the burnt mess.

Milton ward councillor, Conservative Jonathan Garston, praised the police for their actions. He said: "I would like to congratulate the police.

"It's absolutely right - they were caught doing that damage, and they have to clear it up themselves.

"We don't want to see that kind of antisocial behaviour anywhere."

Mr Garston added this type of approach could save taxpayers money. As a council I believe we are doing very well and getting on top of antisocial issues.

"We clear up rubbish and graffiti, but at the end of the day it is the taxpayers who pay for that, so the more we can find those responsible and get them to clear it up, the better."

Fire crews were at the scene for about half an hour extinguishing the fire.

Police spokeswoman Donna Veasey said: "We were called just after 12.15am on Friday to a minor rubbish fire.

"We took their details."