COUNCILLORS are fuming after a youth caught on film, apparently causing £2,000 of criminal damage, escaped prosecution.

Councillors and council officers provided police with what they claim were clear CCTV pictures of five youths seen damaging new toilets at Richmond Hall car park, in Rich-mond Avenue, Benfleet, late last year.

Stills from one camera were said to show a youth peering into the lens before spraying it with paint.

However, police said they believed he was not the person responsible for the incident at the £100,000 toilets, which were installed last spring. The teenager has now been released without charge.

David Cross, Conservative councillor for St Mary's ward, said: "A youth was seen square on and up close to the camera before spraying it with paint.

"He was well known in the area and he was identified by several local people, along with other youths caught on the film.

"If the police can't do anything with that evidence, then I feel like giving up.

"The person was identified in a full face-on photo. What on earth do they need to prosecute these people? It is very disappointing."

Mr Cross added: "The majority of kids in this area are good kids. It is just this small minority of feral youths who cause the trouble. Their parents have no idea what they are up to."

As well as spraying the toilet blocks with graffiti, the group of yobs kicked in and tore off wooden panels.

Police, who made the arrest after studying the film, confirmed the youth was released without charge and that they were still looking for whoever was responsible for the damage.

Donna Veasey, spokeswoman for Essex Police, said: "There was an arrest, but no further action was taken. We don't have anyone for the incident and the investigation is ongoing."