A FAMILY say they are living in fear on a York estate after being targeted in a horrific campaign of threats and vandalism.

Rosemary and Michael Bailey, of Etty Avenue, in Tang Hall, say local thugs have threatened to burn down their house and torch their car, and have left them afraid to go out.

The council tenants claim they have been the victims of numerous burglaries, broken windows and vandal attacks in the past few months.

Today York police confirmed the couple had suffered six attacks since the beginning of the month, including three in one day. Rosemary said she now holds more than 20 incident numbers from North Yorkshire Police.

Michael revealed he lives in such terror, he will only visit the local shops if he drives there in his car - despite them only being 100 yards away.

The pair said they had pleaded with the council to find them a new home, but hade been rebuffed by housing chiefs who claimed they are not in enough danger. City of York Council today said they were trying to find the family a permanent transfer.

Rosemary and Michael, who have four children, said the whole family was terrified and at their wits end.

Rosemary said: "We have had our windows put through, our cars have been stolen. My children are being threatened every time they walk on the streets.

"We are told that we are going to be killed, that our car and house will be torched. We just don't know what to do."

Michael said the family's troubles began when local youths started throwing eggs and stones at their windows.

He said: "It is horrible living there. I go to the shops in the car. I will not walk down that street.

"We are getting constant threats but the council says our situation is not life- threatening. They say we haven't had enough trouble. We are being treated appallingly."

The couple said they had originally been placed in interim accommodation, but claimed council chiefs then forced them to return to Etty Avenue.

When they returned, they claimed they found their garden had been piled high with rubbish bags and broken electrical equipment.

Neighbours today told the Evening Press that they were unaware of any particular problems at the address, but said there had been some disturbances in the street recently.

One nearby resident said: "They haven't been in the street all that long. Most of us keep ourselves to ourselves. Once the front door is shut we don't notice much of what goes on."

Becky Ward, service manager, community services at City of York Council, said: "We are aware of the difficulties Mr and Mrs Bailey are experiencing but as the police do not feel there is any immediate danger, we are unable to offer temporary accommodation at the present time.

"We are keen to work closely with the local community and police to address the problem and are once again looking at a permanent transfer in order to resolve the situation."

A police spokesman said: "Local police officers are aware of the situation and it is being investigated. The police do liaise with the council's estate manager and all the incidents are being treated seriously."

Updated: 10:34 Wednesday, August 20, 2003