Resident says youths plague Thorpe Edge street with their anti-social behaviour

The 69-year-old man, who did not want to be named, told the Telegraph & Argus about a shocking number of incidents he and his wife have had to bear in the last year alone.

He said a group of youths in the Thorpe Edge area had been terrorising residents on the cul-de-sac, often gathering near the end of his driveway.

This last week alone he and his neighbours have endured stones and eggs thrown at their cars, a windscreen being put through with a brick, as well as threats to split his skull open.

He says that the anti-social behaviour has become much worse in the last 12 months and it has begun to affect his mental health - so much so he is considering moving away from the area completely.

"The other night they were lighting cavity wall insulation aerosols and chucking them around," he said.

"Then the other week they set fire to one of the litter bins on the street. We regularly have stones being thrown at houses and cars.

Youths gathering on a street in Thorpe Edge where residents are plagued by anti-social behaviour

"Last year I got a mouthful of abuse and stuff thrown at me while I was in the garden. Then I was threatened - they were going to smash my car to pieces and kill my dog.

"The other night this one lad said he would split my skull in pieces with a great big rock which he then proceeded to throw at my head - it missed."

He added: "It's just disgusting - incidents like this, day in, day out, especially at the weekend - it's out of control."

He described how he called 999 last week when he had been directly threatened, but was left frustrated with the length of time officers took to attend.

Inspector Paul Riley of Bradford East Neighbourhood Policing team admitted that their standard of service "fell short of what’s expected" that night.

"We hope to work with the resident to identify those responsible and progress the investigation to have a successful outcome.

"All reports of anti-social behaviour are treated extremely seriously and we understand the huge impact and effect it can have on people’s lives.

He added: "In recent weeks across the Bradford East Neighbourhood Policing area we have identified and dealt with 9 offenders of anti-social behaviour, through anti-social behaviour contracts, final warnings and referrals to the anti-social behaviour youth panel.

A canister abandoned near a Thorpe Edge street being plagued by anti-social behaviour

"We are committed to working closely with our partners, local councillors, the local MP and residents to address concerns about anti-social behaviour."

Insp Riley encouraged local residents to report any anti-social behaviour incidents to the police, so they can gather evidence and intelligence.

This can be done by calling 101 or using the live chat facility on the force's website.

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