POLICE made arrests after reports of youths throwing slates and bricks from the roof of the former Newport Art College building last night.

Officers attended the derelict building in Clarence Place, which is set to be developed into luxury flats, just after 7.30pm.

The roads surrounding the former college were closed to passing traffic as debris smashed on the ground.

Local resident Doreen Vincent said: "This is not the first time this has happened and I am out of my mind with worry and anger.

"Last week the same thing happened and my neighbour's car was smashed.

"My granddaughter was due to come here for dinner but I'm going to tell her it's not safe to come now.

"You just never know what is going to happen next, some day someone is going to get killed by the kind of things they are throwing from there.

"I just don't understand why someone can't do something about these kids."

Last night's disturbance is the latest in a series of incidents to plague the former college.

The landmark is a haven for squatters and gangs of youngsters since it closed a decade ago, and has been the scene of a number of serious blazes.

Police were not able to enter the building as it is deemed too unsafe, but arrested two people just after 9.30pm.

Inspector Gareth Beak, of the Gwent Police Force control room said: "Officers were called to a disturbance at the former art college building just after 7.30pm.

"Two people were arrested on criminal damage charges and are in police custody."

No-one was hurt during the incident.