Teenagers attacked police officers, punching one in the face
Video from police body cameras show a group of teenagers attacking officers with bricks and fireworks.
Stanley Police published the video after the attack and it shows one officer being punched in the face.
Officers were called to help a vulnerable woman at the town bus station at 8.40pm on November 3, shortly afterward children wearing hoodies attacked them. The force says a "hardcore" group of boys attacked them while around 100 others stood by and watched.
Sergeant Dave Clarke said the officers were forced to use pepper spray in the attack: "You had a group of six to 10 boys wanting to show off in front of their friends, and that developed into kicks, karate kicks, punching and people jumping around sparring.
"After at least 10 warnings, the officers used the pepper spray."
Sergeant Emma Kay, from Durham Constabulary, said: "Parents were asked to come and review the footage from the officers' body cams that night and they all agreed the behaviour of the children was appalling.
"While there is a hardcore group of individuals involved in this incident, there are many more people stood on the sidelines, young people who are going to affect their life chances by continuing to engage in this type of behaviour.
"We are asking for parents to step up to the plate, take responsibility for your children.
"Do you know where they are, or are they going to bring trouble to your door?"
