Devizes police are urging parents to be aware where their children are and what they are doing after a spate of anti-social behaviour coinciding with the start of the school holidays.

Although high spirits are understandable when young people are released from the confines of school, some of the incidents are unpleasant and potentially dangerous.

On Thursday night youths broke into Devizes Town Football Club’s ground in Nursteed Road and set a number of small fires.

Others urinated in the dugout and forced their way into the canteen.

Three youths are helping police with their inquiries.

A group of up to ten youths were reported throwing stones at a house in Eastleigh Road on Sunday night. Inspector Matt Armstrong said: “No damage was done to the house, but it was upsetting to the occupant.

“Children have always gathered in groups in the street and that is fine. But you also seem to get pockets of youths going round being a nuisance.

“I would request parents to be responsible and know where their children are and what they’re doing.”

There is a darker side as well, as highlighted in an incident reported in Potterne on Saturday night.

A group of underage young people had gathered in the bus shelter on the A360, shouting, drinking and creating litter.

At one point a girl stumbled in the road.

Insp Armstrong said: “This could have had serious consequences and it is concerning these young people might have got their alcohol from home as the penalties for retailers selling alcohol to children are severe.”