TAG graffitti across a town could cost thousands of pounds to clean up, say police.

The latest incidents of criminal damage and vandalism across Newent involving "a group of youths" includes spray painted 'tagging' on bins, signs, benches and walls in the lake area and nearby.

Police say they are following leads to identify two individuals who may be involved.

A spokesperson for the Forest of Dean Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Earlier in December we wrote about the increase of graffiti appearing in and around the Newent area.

"More recently, further incidents of graffiti and vandalism have caused significant damage across multiple locations in Newent town, including public buildings, walls, and street furniture around the lake.

"The clean-up and restoration efforts are estimated to cost several hundred pounds, if not thousands, placing an unexpected financial burden on the local authority.

"Over a period of weeks, a group of youths have been ‘tagging’ bins and signs around the lake and town.

"The damage has not only impacted the town’s appearance but also raised concerns among residents about ongoing anti-social behaviour.

"Forest of Dean Neighbourhood Policing team are actively following leads to identify two individuals who may be responsible for causing the damage."

If anyone has information relating to the graffiti, contact police using the online Gloucestershire Police 'a crime that has already been reported' form quoting CR/462/26 Criminal Damage.

Officers first posted about the ongoing problem two days before Christmas, saying: “The latest incident reported happened on the evening of the 18th December where two youths were caught spraying graffiti on the side of the Ark cafe in Newent High Street.

“The North Neighbourhood Team have been sent images of the two youths involved and will follow up once the parties involved have been positively identified.

“PCSO Timmins is aware of several other locations around Newent where graffiti has appeared, particularly around the lake area.”