DAWN raids on the homes of suspected nuisance youths in York today led to 12 arrests.

More than 20 officers swooped on ten addresses in the west side of the city at 6am as York police continued their purge on anti-social behaviour.

The youths, aged between 13 and 20, were arrested in relation to a catalogue of offences ranging from assault and burglary to robbery and vehicle theft.

And police today warned that more raids were on the way.

Stolen property including cycles and power tools were recovered.

Supt John Lacy said police were fulfilling their promise to the people of Foxwood that marauding gangs of youths would be dealt with in the strongest possible way.

"There is enormous support from the people of Foxwood for us to rid this area of the youths who hunt in packs and have total disregard for the community," he said.

"My officers and I, and the public, are sick and tired of the small minority of youths who are blighting Foxwood - charges will be brought against them."

The youths arrested today were being questioned by detectives.