The owners of a Mile Cross newsagent which had its front window smashed said those responsible should be made to work in the store to pay off the damage.

Police have launched an investigation after a burglary at HJ News on Drayton Road, Mile Cross, in which an object was thrown through the window.

Pictures taken by reader Lisa Culling, of Drayton Road, show the damage caused by the item which Hilary Fenwick, a partner at the newsagent, said was caused by a breeze block.

Mrs Fenwick, said: 'The little darlings wanted cigarettes and they threw a rock, not a little rock – a large breeze block through the window. It's just a mess.

'If the parents of the little darlings would like to bring them down to work it off they can. I think they should be made accountable.

'I don't want anyone locked up, I don't think it would do them any good -– they would probably learn 16 new trades while they were in there. If they had to work it off they might even get the idea that work is worth bothering with rather than sitting around.'

Police officers were called to HJ News shortly after 4am yesterday following reports of suspicious activity at the address. They arrived on scene to find a window had been smashed. At about 11.30am yesterday in Theatre Street, Norwich, officers arrested a 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy in connection with the incident.

Both were in custody yesterday at Wymodham Police Investigation Centre where they were to be interviewed by officers.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.

Have you got a crime story for the Evening News? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk