A 15-year-old boy has been charged in over a spate of vandalism and a racially motivated hate crime.

Several members of the public contacted police on March 11 after a group of youths were seen throwing stones at properties in Joppa, Edinburgh.

One of the youngsters was overheard making a racist remark.

Police said on Tuesday that they had traced the teenager as part of their investigation on Friday.

He was later charged over 11 separate reports of vandalism and for a racially motivated hate crime.

Inspector Neil Clyde said: "Thanks to the assistance of the local community we have successfully traced and charged a male in connection with a series of vandalism carried out in the Portobello area on March 11.

"He has also been charged with a racially motivated hate crime and referred to the Children's Reporter.

"Hate crime is completely unacceptable and we will thoroughly investigate all reports received."