A gang of youths tore down a 60ft long, six-foot-high fence from a pensioner's back garden to burn on a bonfire.

Ten panels from a sturdy fence were taken from the garden of Maureen Bateson's home in St Paul's Avenue, Odsal, Bradford, - leaving only the concrete posts standing.

The damage will cost £2,000 to repair.

At about 7pm on Bonfire Night, Mrs Bateson, 74, saw youths gathering around a large bonfire in a neighbouring garden.

She said: "The person who lives behind me is clearing out his house, and was burning things on a bonfire."

Because the youths were drinking and smoking, Mrs Bateson felt too threatened to go outside.

And because of the general din on Bonfire Night, she said she did not hear anything at the time but woke the next day to find the vandals had removed the fencing panels using a levering tool, gaining access from an adjoining public footpath.

Mrs Bateson, who found the levering tool among the ruins of the fence, said: "All that was left was the concrete posts.

"I am absolutely flabbergasted - how could they have moved the fence with concrete posts?"

Mrs Bateson has lived in the house for 35 years and in that time she has been burgled nine times.

She said: "I don't like to go out at night and I've tried to make my property as safe as I can.

"I've got outside security lights and wrought iron gates and I don't even feel safe in my own home.

"I'm very annoyed but think it's a pity they've got nothing better to do, but what can you do."

A West Yorkshire police spokesman said: "We have received a report of the theft of wooden fence panels from an address in St Paul's Avenue.

"It is believed the panels were stolen some time between 6pm last Sunday and 7am on Monday. Inquiries are ongoing. We would appeal for anyone with any information to contact PC 6949 Robert Brook at Bradford Central Police Station via the helpdesk on (01274) 376459."

e-mail: ali.davies@bradford.newsquest.co.uk