Ice used to smash windows at seaside amphitheatre

Vandals used ice to smash the windows in a seaside amphitheatre, police said.

The windows at Sandhaven Beach, in South Shields, were broken on 19 January.

Northumbria Police said offenders used "large blocks of ice" from a nearby pond to smash the glass.

The force said inquires were "ongoing" but the offenders had left by the time officers arrived.

South Tyneside Council said the damage was caused by "anti-social behaviour" and warned the public to avoid the footpath and elevated walkway above the amphitheatre.

The glass was removed by the council on Saturday morning.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said it received the report of criminal damage shortly after 20:30 GMT on Friday.

“It was reported a number of unknown offenders have removed large blocks of ice from a nearby pond and used them to smash the glass in the windows of the walkway," they said.

The council said "temporary repairs are in hand".

However, the exact date replacement windows will be installed has not been decided.

The council added it was considering increasing patrols in the area to deter anti-social behaviour.

Follow BBC North East on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].