A York family are demanding police action to combat nuisance youths who have made the last 18 months of their lives a misery.

The Beales family, of Rawdon Avenue, Tang Hall, say they have endured death threats and intimidation from groups of youths after dad Chris helped officers during an investigation in the area.

They say they have reported 42 incidents to police since March, but say the authorities have not been able to do anything about the problems.

The family also claim that bricks have been thrown at their dog, that they have been verbally abused and threatened, and told that they are "going to get it".

The latest incident happened the day after Chris and Nicola Beales' wedding anniversary when the word 'grass' was crudely daubed over their cars in paint.

Mr Beales said: "My six-year-old daughter Jennifer screamed her head off when she saw the cars and she wouldn't go to school."

He added: "My wife has been very ill following these incidents and she has spent six weeks away living with her grandmother because of this.

"No-one is interested in what has happened to us. These youths come banging on our doors, so why can't the police go round and bang on their doors?"

The family's cry for help comes just days after police dramatically increased their presence on the streets of Tang Hall.

An extra 12 police officers patrolled the area on Friday night after violence erupted the previous evening.

Sergeant Alison Leslie, who patrols the east side of the city, said: "We have been going to see the family on a regular basis and investigated their complaints.

"We have taken statements and are working with the council to find a longer-term solution to the problem."

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