The father of a 13-year-old girl who has undergone a leg amputation has hit out at youths who have subjected the family to a two-month reign of terror.

Kevin Redshaw whose daughter is recovering from an operation two weeks ago when her leg was amputated below the knee, has had to turn his home into a fortress with an eight foot wall and bars on the windows.

And now, after his daughter Lisa has suffered and taunts from youths, and their Allerton home broken into, Mr Redshaw, 51, who is also registered disabled, has appealed to the Telegraph & Argus in an attempt to shame the culprits and tell them: "Leave us alone, enough is enough."

A heartbroken Mr Redshaw said: "We don't want to move out because the house is beautiful and specially adapted for Lisa but what can we do? My daughter has never harmed anyone or hurt anyone and it's the cruellest thing that is happening to her."

Thirteen- year- old Lisa- Marie who has suffered since birth from a deformity which affects her left side, moved to Allerton from Buttershaw to start a new life with her parents last November. The specially-adapted disabled home was perfect for both father, who has a history of heart disease, and daughter.

But two months ago they were targeted by local youths who have made their lives hell.

Their home in Weyhill Drive, has been burgled twice, had windows smashed, there was an attempt to steal their car which contain a CD player and Lisa-Marie's prized leather jacket and her favourite CDs.

In an effort to combat the hooligans he has turned the newly-built bungalow, which is a Bradford Northern Housing Association property, into an fortress.

The gates have to be padlocked and chained at night and he has put bars on the windows.

Mr Redshaw said: "I'm at breaking point. We can't take any more. We came to this area because we thought it would be quiet and we could have a new start.

"My daughter has just had an operation- a below the knee amputation- and she's suffering the most. Neither she nor my wife can sleep at night now. It's terrible, absolutely terrible," said Mr Redshaw who revealed during ne of the break-ins the burglars went into the bedroom while he and his wife were asleep.

"I've reported the crimes to the police and the Housing Association. Nobody can do anything.

"It's the whole street that is suffering. My neighbour has had her car stereo stolen and a 90- year- old lady was mugged.

"I'm a grown man and its affecting me but it's my daughter who is suffering the most. She used to listen to the CDs in the car.

"She has lost her peace of mind knowing that these youths are out there and can strike at any time. They come right up to the fence and start laughing at her. It is despicable- I just wish they would leave her alone."

Neighbours Ernest and Margaret Green, who also live in a specially adapted bungalow and have spent almost £1,000 on security and surveillance equipment on their home praised Lisa Marie, who was born disabled, for her bravery.

Mrs Green, who is also disabled said: "That girl has been through so much but she never lets it get her down. The last thing she needs is some yobs taunting her. They have no feelings at all and despite everything she has been through are quite happy to cause her more misery."

"We've also been burgled and had our car damaged and the sickening thing is that we can't do anything about it. We end up paying twice- once for being burgled, and secondly for the raised cost of insurance."

And councillors across Allerton were swift in their condemnation of the youths.

Councillor John Buffham (Con Thornton) said: "This is an appalling situation. This is totally unacceptable behaviour and I would like to see agencies working together to make sure that families like these are not victimised.

"The parents and families of such youths must take some responsibility, facing prosecution if necessary.

"The government has pledged to address the issue of crime but we want action not hot air"

Councillor Clive Richardson (Con Thornton) branded the situation "a disgrace."

He promised that he would work with social services, housing and the police to ensure that something is done.

"I fully sympathise with the family concerned and I will be doing my utmost to help."

Customer Services Director of Bradford Northern Housing Association, DJ Barrow said: "This appears to be a serious case of victimisation on an otherwise stable and settled estate.

"It is Bradford & Northern's policy in these circumstances to give full support to the victim, which we are doing through enhanced security measures to the property . We will also give our full support to the police and local authority in any action against the perpetrators."

Sargeant Roy Wensley of Toller Lane confirmed the break- ins and said that the case had been referred to Zoe Brooksbank, Repeat Victimisation Officer.

He said: "We had extra police visits to the house when the family were away. I was not aware of the young girl being victimised but we will identify the youths in question and work with them and the youth service. We can educate them about what they are doing and get them to take more positive action.

"We will take the multi-agency approach with them once the crime angle has been fully investigated."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.