A GANG called The Somerford Boys are responsible for graffiti daubed on property around the estate, police believe.

Officers from the Central Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team said investigations are under way after recent anti-social behaviour.

Vandals have sprayed graffiti in Druitt Road, Amethyst Road and Dennistoun Avenue.

The paintwork is often tagged 'TSB', which police say stands for 'The Somerford Boys'.

Officers from the Grange team have now asked for those with information about the gang to come forward.

Appealing directly to Somerford residents, a spokesperson from Dorset Police said: "Do you know of anyone who uses the tag TSB or is bragging that they are part of this group?

"We are interested in any information regarding this."

Somerford councillor Denise Jones said vandalism is "always unacceptable".

"I am aware there has been an outbreak of anti-social behaviour in Somerford," she said.

"I'm not sure who is behind it. Graffiti is anti-social behaviour, although I can see some benefit to having a specified place where young people can show off their artistic talents.

"However, I am totally opposed to this kind of graffiti, which has been sprayed onto property that belongs to others."

Cllr Jones said she had been aware of a group calling itself The Somerford Boys some time ago.

"Whether this particular group is in fact The Somerford Boys, or if they're taking on the name, I don't know," she said.

"What you do find in these types of situations is that there will be copy-cats.

"It may be that members of this group have heard the name and just decided to use it as a tag. If one group of people has started doing something, often others will follow.

"This is something that isn't exclusive to Somerford, but it needs to be dealt with.

"Whoever these people are, they need to be stopped."