LARGE groups of youths have been gathering around a village hall, prompting police to issue a warning.

Officers from the Stanley Neighbourhood Team have reported an increase in the number of young people gathering around the village hall in Craghead, near Stanley.

They have urged parents and carers, and the youths, to act in line with Covid restrictions so they do not put themselves or more vulnerable people at risk of the coronavirus.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “We’d like to remind parents and carers that they must continue to safeguard their children during these uncertain times and encourage them to follow the regulations in place for our region.

“We must all help each other in fighting the virus and protect the elderly and vulnerable who are at most risk of being infected.

“The current regulations state that a maximum of six people are able to gather in an outdoor setting as long as social distancing is adhered to.”