Residents have called time on members of a 30-strong street gang which they claim is making their lives a misery.

Neighbours Sharon Smith and Karen Baxter want the police and Bradford Council to take action against the group they say is carrying out a reign of vandalism and intimidation in Eggleston Drive, Holme Wood.

The gang, which includes youths aged 14 to 20, has been blamed for graffiti, setting fire to rubbish bins and cutting off power from flats by wrecking electricity boxes.

Last month two female Council tenancy enforcement officers had bricks thrown at their car while investigating problems in the street.

Today a Bradford Council spokesman said: "We would like to assure residents that we view these incidents extremely seriously.

"Both the police and Council officers are continuing to investigate incidents on the estate and they are trying to identify the youths involved so that further action can be taken." And ward Councillor John Ruding today urged residents to contact the police or Council housing office with any information they have about the culprits.

Miss Smith, 32, who lives with her boyfriend in a flat in Grenholme Court, said: "This used to be a nice part of the estate but three months ago these youths started congregating. They're like animals. There's no talking to them - all you get is abuse.

"They're not from round here. I worry every time I go out to work about what I'll find when I get back."

Miss Baxter, 31, who had her electricity box wrecked twice last week, said: "They congregate in my doorway and kick the door. It's frightening.

"You ring the police and they arrive three or four hours later. They're not here when it's going on."

Inspector Iain Flint, of Odsal Police, said he understood response times to non-emergencies sometimes appeared slow but added other incidents sometimes took priority.

He said: "We are aware of on-going problems with young people gathering during evenings on the estate and we are carrying out patrols."

Coun Ruding said: "In all these cases we need help from tenants in identifying who the offenders are so we can take action.

"Information can be given in complete confidence but if people won't help, there's not much we or the police can do."

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