Stray schoolbag contained truncheon and knife

Officers said it belonged to one of six young people who have been linked with a spike in antisocial behaviour in Greasbrough and Kimberworth.

A police spokeswoman said: “Officers have spoken to all of the offenders and their parents, with an extremely robust ‘telling off’ and threat of multi-agency follow up given.

“The response was extremely encouraging with all six displaying emotions of remorse and understanding.

“Following the talks with parents, plans have been put in place to work with the schools of the offenders to deter them from further crime.”

Elsewhere, police responding to youths causing trouble at The Lanes have handed behaviour contracts to two young people.

Residents on the East Dene estate had raised concerns about a group of young people causing antisocial behaviour.

One offender has been issued with a community protection notice and another offender has been issued with a civil injunction notice.

Conditions include not entering The Lanes and not visiting the Far Lane post office without an adult.

PCSO Paul Newman (pictured) said: “We will take very firm action with offenders who persist to blight our communities. 

“We enjoy fantastic working relationships with our Rotherham Borough Council colleagues, schools and communities and we act upon reports made to the police. It is not just police powers.”