Security guards have been called in to halt a gang's reign of terror at a Bradford betting shop.

Bosses at Coral bookmakers said they have taken the "unprecedented step" of bringing in their own security staff with the "blessing" of police.

Punters at the shop in Duckworth Lane, Girlington claim they are being intimidated and harassed by a gang of youths who call themselves the Duckworth Lane Boys.

As well as abusing customers and staff, the youths, aged between 18 and 22, are alleged to have smashed windows at the premises, set fire to race sheets on the walls and destroyed seating.

The gang is also alleged to have wrecked a satellite system at the back of the shop which crashed all the race screens.

One customer, who was too scared to be named, said the gang had threatened him and insulted his family.

"I used to go in a lot but I daren't now. I live in the area and I'm scared they'll find out where my house is. They've said if they see me there again they'll beat me up. They've also threatened to take it out on my family and bragged they'll have sex with my wife and daughter."

The man said the once-busy bookmakers was now almost deserted because terrified customers had been driven away.

He said: "It should be buzzing in here but it's not. It's dead."

It now shuts at 6pm instead of 9pm like other bookmakers.

"It's the staff behind the counter I feel sorry for, they can't just leave or they'll be out of a job," he added.

Another customer, who also asked not to be named, said: "They think this place is theirs and no one else has a right to be here. They come in with no intention of putting bets on and just hang around, smoking dope and using this place as a dining hall to eat their chicken and chips.

"They get right up to people's faces and harass them. We've heard staff don't even want to come and cover when the manager's off.

"Even when they are moved out of the shop they just hang around outside and in the doorway."

A spokesman for Coral said: "It's true we are employing security staff and that it is with the full blessing of the police. It's a totally unprecedented situation for us but we are having to do it to keep the peace and protect our staff and customers."

Toller ward councillors have now pledged to investigate the claims and put pressure on the police to take stronger action.

Tory councillor Amjad Hussain said: "It's not good to have these youths frightening people away from our area. It's not good for business. We have to find out what's happening and why and then pressurise police into action."

Labour councillor Amir Hussain said he hoped Coral would not be driven out.

"We need all types of businesses in our area. People living here do so in a multi-cultural society that caters for everyone and as such we have to be tolerant and accepting. We have a problem in that there is a lack of places for this age group to go. We need to talk to agencies including the police to find a solution."

And Tory councillor Arshad Hussain said: "It's a shame that businesses have got to put up with this anti-social behaviour from idiots. I think the police will be doing what they can but what we need are more patrols on the streets."

Insp Dean McIntyre of Bradford North neighbourhood policing team, said: "We have been consulting with Coral with regard to the problem of nuisance youths and we are monitoring the situation. If the problem continues and incidences of intimidation are reported to the police then we will deal with that positively.

"If there are incidents of disorder and youth nuisance we will tackle it. If anyone wants to speak to the police in relation to the problems they are experiencing in the area they can contact the policing team."

Anyone with a complaint or with information should contact police at Lawcroft House or by calling (01274) 376259.