POLICE have been scouring through schoolbooks to trace a graffiti artist who has plagued a community with his "tag".

Officers hoping to find a clue to the identity of "Spit" have visited schools in the area, but have so far drawn a blank.

Now they have asked members of the public to help them bring the culprit to book.

While some of his work may be artistic, police say his daubed trademark on bus shelters, road signs and the sides of houses is nothing but criminal damage.

The vandal has struck an estimated 100 times since his scribblings and paintings were first noticed several months ago in the adjoining communities of Nettlesworth and Kimblesworth, near Chester-le-Street.

The problem has increased, with new signs appearing as soon as old ones are removed by council cleaners.

Chester-le-Street Community Inspector Paul Anderson said: "The culprit, if it is a teenager or a child, is bound to be drawing the tag in his or her schoolbook or on a schoolbag.

"Officers have visited local schools to look through the children's schoolbooks, and we have spoken with teachers.

"We are now appealing for members of the public who may know who this person is to get in touch.

"We have had a problem with this graffiti name for some time, but particularly in the last few months.

"Some of the works are quite graphic, with stars and colours. On one occasion, an enormous mural appeared on the side of a house.

"Some of the signs may be said to be quite artistic, but they amount to nothing but criminal damage. They appear overnight and some must take quite long to complete."

The name has also appeared in scrawls on street signs and speed signs on the A167 between Chester-le-Street and Durham.

Insp Anderson said: "We have done some research on the internet into the word spit to establish its significance.

"It may have something to do with the hip-hop scene -they use the word spit in their lyrics. It may be also be someone's nickname, initials or an organisation."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.