Extra police patrols after reports of exploding deodorant cans in Flatts Wood

A NEW fad of throwing deodorant canisters on to an open fire is putting young people at risk, it has been warned.
Police are to patrol the area where young people have begun to congregate to make fires and drink lager, at a secluded spot in Flatts Wood, in Barnard Castle.
The area is littered with smashed bottles, cans and burned wood.
A nearby tree has also been torched.
In a twist, remnants of exploded deodorant cans have been found at the scene sparking concern about the potential for injury.
It is believed the canisters are thrown on to an open fire causing them to explode in a massive flame.
A concerned resident, who discovered the site, said if anyone was injured in an explosion, it would be difficult for emergency workers to get to them.
He said: “There is the danger the further away you get when blowing up deodorant cans like that. It is a concern because it is a popular area for younger children who go and make dens there. They could hurt themselves on the smashed glass.”
Sgt Simon Rogers of Barnard Castle Police urged people to ring 101 when they see young people congregating so that there can be an immediate response.
Although police had not yet received complaints about the activity in Flatts Wood, Sgt Rogers said PCSOs would patrol the area over weekends.