A GROUP of residents say they have been subjected to months of anti-social behaviour at the hands of children as young as eight years old.

People living in Oxford Drive, Knuzden, have had windows smashed, eggs, stones and earth thrown at their properties on a regular basis, and for no apparent reason.

They say the area has deteriorated, with youths, aged from eight to 16, causing mayhem between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

Most residents will not challenge them for fear of reprisals and are calling for a ginnel halfway down the street to be closed.

Police said they have received a small number of reports concerning juve-nile nuisance in the area, with children throwing eggs, and running across people’s gardens.

They are treating the problem as a priority following complaints at Police and Community Together (PACT) meetings.

Mario Bostbad, 63, said: “The children throw mud and stones at houses in the evenings.

“It is better not to chall-enge them, but during the day it is fine.”

A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I won’t open my windows in the evening because they will throw stones through it, and some won’t turn their lights on in the evenings because they become targets.

"We shouldn’t have to put up with this.”

Another 51-year-old resident said: “I have lived here for eight years and this has been going on off and on.

"It is intimidating, but you don’t want to challenge them.”

Sgt Graham Brownsmith said: “We are committed to working with residents and local councillors to resolve any anti-social behaviour and where issues are raised, we will tackle them as a priority.

"In Knuzden, despite the lack of calls to police, residents’ concerns at local PACT meetings have led us to raise the issue as an area priority.

"We have a dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Team in the area and additional officers from other neighbourhoods areas are on duty to assist.

“I appeal to the public to work with us to resolve the problem and encourage anyone with concerns to contact us so we can put measures in place to help.

“I would like to reassure residents that all calls are treated in the strictest of confidence and we will deal sensitively with any issues raised.”

Anyone with information can contact the local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01254 353103, or 0845 1 25 35 45.