Unknown people within the group had set fire to bins and fencing near the toilet block.

Police attended and the fire brigade extinguished the blaze as the crowd dispersed.

Ten people were identified and issued $110 fines for drinking and loitering in the area contrary to local government signage.

A 17-year-old was issued fines for traffic offences in the area.

Enquiries are continuing to identify the people responsible for the damage and fire.

* Phone box damaged

An 18-year-old male from the group at the Brush was observed by police to smash his plastic esky against the perspex window of the public telephone in Wynter Street.

After several attempts, the male stopped and walked off.

Police who were patrolling Central Park at the time approached the male and arrested him.

He broke free from the hold police had on him, shedding clothing and running off.

The male, known to police, was spoken to later that morning.

He attended Taree Police Station where he was charged with a number of matters.

He will be before the court later next month.

* Youth trapped after serious car crash

While police were dealing with the group in the Wingham Brush they were called to a serious accident on Wingham Road, just outside town.

A vehicle driven by a 17-year-old driver slammed into a tree.

As a result, the driver was trapped for several hours.

Rescue and ambulance personnel worked together and freed the driver who was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, with serious leg injuries.

Further inquiries will be made with the driver upon his return from hospital.

Dave Abbott

Senior Constable

Wingham Police