Vulnerable pensioners are too terrified to leave their rooms at night after a spate of break-ins and vandalism.

The residents of the sheltered housing complex say they dare not even go to the toilet at night after the attacks.

They say they feel like prisoners in their own homes.

Newby House, in Mint Street, Barkerend, Bradford, is made up of 48 flats with communal seating areas and shared bathrooms and toilets outside some individual flats.

Residents said they had stopped using the communal facilities since the latest incidents - burglars got in and damaged a store cupboard on Thursday, June 29, and another burglary happened on Thursday, July 6.

Lily Thornton, who has lived at the complex for 16 years, said there had been several incidents each year and called for better security measures from Bradford Community Housing Trust which runs the property.

"There are too many doors which people can break in through," she said. "I can count about eight. We are all getting very scared. I dare not open the door at night, we are frightened for our safety. We don't go to the toilets at night.

"The wardens leave at 4.30pm. We want CCTV cameras or a security guard.

"We are fed up - the housing association does not seem to be doing anything."

Edith Wheeler, 87, who has lived at the complex for 20 years, said: "I would like to see better security. I'm very scared about the break-ins. I keep my door locked and stay inside."

BCHT said it had put in place security measures at the complex.

Tim Doyle, executive director of North BCHT, said: "As a caring and responsible landlord the safety of our tenants is paramount.

"Each flat is fitted with door and window locks, door chains, spy holes and lockable window brackets.

"As a further security measure extra door and window locks and improved spy holes were fitted last year.

"Each tenant also has the Careline alarm system in their flat which is linked to a team of 24/7 mobile wardens who are able to provide on-the-spot help and support if needed.

"We do share residents' concerns following the recent break-in and are actively assessing further safety measures in the building."

West Yorkshire Police confirmed the incidents and has carried out door-to-door inquiries, forensic tests and searches.

Councillor Rupert Oliver (Independent, Bowling and Barkerend) said: "It is a serious concern that elderly people cannot get about their daily business.

"I will be speaking to the police, anti-social behaviour team, tenancy enforcement and the housing trust with a view to getting the situation reviewed and improvements for their safety and well-being."