Police have been accused of "spoiling the fun" after warning youngsters they could be arrested for throwing snowballs at people who do not want to be involved in games.
The message posted from Crook Neighbourhood Police Team in County Durham said: "Crook Beat Team are aware that it has been snowing and that people are going to have fun in it, however if anyone is caught throwing snowballs at vehicles or onto the road, they could be arrested.
"Likewise, if anyone throws snowballs at person's homes or at people who do not want to be involved in the snow games, they could be arrested and it will be classed as anti-social behaviour."
Facebook user John Young commented: "What a joke."
A flying Asbo?
But Julie Nicholson replied: "It's not a joke when the little darlings r putting stones in the snowballs b4 throwin them!!!!!!"
Paul Emmerton accused officers of "sucking the fun from everything".
Liam Graham said it was extremely dangerous but "kids will be kids".
Sensible or 'sucking the fun'?
A Durham Police spokeswoman said the force did not want to spoil fun or ban snowballs, but was issuing advice.
"Our general advice is, it might seem like innocent fun but it could have serious consequences," she said.
No arrests have been made, she added.