The 26-year-old man and 17-year-old girl were arrested on suspicion of committing an act of outraging public decency after being spotted in Mile End Road, South Shields, in the early hours of Sunday, August 17.

The man was given a caution after admitting the offence, while the 17-year-old has been bailed to attend a youth surgery – a service provided by youth offending teams to advise youngsters about the behaviour.

One reveller who saw the incident said: "It was really shocking. The couple were lying on the grass outside Dusk nightclub in full view of everyone.

"They had absolutely no regard for where they were or who might see, it was awful.

"I was on my way out of the nightclub to get a taxi when I saw them.

"People were passing and pointing. I had to turn and walk the other way until the police came and arrested them.

"It's just not what you want to see going on in the middle of the street."

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "Police arrested a 17-year-old girl and a 26-year-old man on suspicion of committing an act of outraging public decency after an incident in Mile End Road on Sunday, August 17.

"The 17 year-old has been bailed to attend a youth surgery, the 26-year-old was cautioned."

Beacon and Bents councillor Ahmed Khan told of his disgust at the incident.

He said: "It beggars belief how a 17-year-old was out and about at that time of night in the first place.

"The other point is the punishment they received for such behaviour.

"It sends out completely the wrong message, not only to revellers, but also to local residents.

"It's almost as if it's OK to behave in this way, as all you will receive is a ticking off. The whole thing is totally wrong.

"I think we should throw the book at these people in order to send the message that this sort of lewd public behaviour is completely unacceptable.

"People receive heavier punishments for urinating in a doorway or letting their dog foul on a pavement."