YOUNG thugs caused mayhem on a York estate because there were no police officers available to stop them, it has been claimed.

Terrified residents who pleaded with police to stop a gang of youths smashing up a community centre in Heworth Without were told "we have no resources" by North Yorkshire Police control, says local councillor Mick Bradley.

But a leading city police officer today moved to reassure residents that all incidents were taken seriously.

Chief Inspector Howard Harding confirmed that an investigation would be undertaken in response to the allegations, and added that every effort would be made to find the culprits.

Youths targeted the area's community centre, in Applecroft Road, on Friday night, smashing windows with beer and whisky bottles.

Coun Bradley said he had "great concerns" about the alleged police response, adding that the damage at the community centre was only the tip of the iceberg.

The Liberal Democrat councillor has been told of gangs of as many as 40 youths, some as young as eight, roaming the streets at 5am, causing havoc.

Coun Bradley said: "There is a problem of heavy drinking, especially on a Friday and Saturday night.

"At the community centre, they smashed the two big windows and the front windows with bottles.

"The vice-chairman of the community centre, Les Battams, rang the police but was told they didn't have the manpower to deal with it. I have great concerns about this.

"People are really getting fed up. I've got people who won't walk in certain parts of the city.

"This is happening regularly. There have been crowds of them outside at 5am in the morning."

Mr Battams told the Evening Press: "I rang the police, I must have hung on and on.

"When I did get through they said, we have no resources. I said: 'You get £46 per month, in York (council tax precept) and have got no resources?'

"The gang was playing havoc. I was beside myself. I ended up putting the phone down. It was just unbelievable."

Chief Insp Harding said: "There are some times when resources are stretched to the limit. This may have been one of those times.

"We do treat every incident that is reported to us seriously. Obviously we will make every effort to investigate to establish if there was a shortfall at our end.

"We will also be investigating and ensure any culprits, if apprehended, are brought to book.

"We do need the assistance of the community and would appeal to anyone with information about this incident to contact us on 01904 631321."

Coun Nick Blitz, a member of North Yorkshire Police Authority, said more of the police budget needed to be directed to where crime was taking place - in York.

But he said: "It is no good the people of York just complaining about the police. This isn't just a police issue. The police are there to support the community, but the community has to take responsibility."

Updated: 11:03 Wednesday, April 24, 2002