YOUNG thugs launched an arson attack on the home of a frail 86-year-old after putting her through months of torment.

Anna Riley has been left too afraid to go out at night following a series of incidents involving youths close to her home in the Bank Top area of Blackburn.

Last night she plucked up courage to make her first trip out for three weeks and returned to find her council flat on fire.

Arsonists threw large lumps of concrete through the kitchen window and back door of her home before starting a fire inside. The flames could have engulfed the flat if a man out walking his dogs had not spotted the fire and raised the alarm.

Today Anna, who lives with her pet dog Laddie, spoke of the nightmare she has had to endure in the last year, including:

Youths running around her home, banging on windows and doors.

Youngsters throwing stones at her flat.

Neighbours having lighted paper pushed through their letter box and having their windows smashed.

Being threatened by a thief who barged into her home and stole money.

Anna said: "They are devils, the lot of them. My back garden has been full of stones that they have thrown at my home and you get too frightened to go out.

"It is three weeks since I have been out at night. Last night I went to the bingo and this happened.

"The police came round to deal with these youngsters before but they haven't stopped."

Police are investigating the attack and Acting Det Chief Insp Neil Smith of Blackburn CID said: "We are anxious to speak to anyone who has any information about this incident."

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