A PENSIONER says that she wants to move out of Latchford because she is being terrorised by a gang of teenage thugs, who are vandalising her home and making her life a living hell.

Mrs Eilene Allendar, aged 67, who lives off Park Avenue, told the Guardian that the window on her front door had been smashed last month and that she has had eggs and dog mess thrown at her front window.

She also says that she has had run-ins with the youths while she has been walking home from the shops and that she now fears going out at night.

Mrs Allendar, who suffers from osteoporosis, said: "For the last three years my life has been made a living hell by the scumbags that live near me. My nerves have gone.

"All I want is to be left in peace. I am a fighter and I have fought everything in my life and I won't let them get me down."

She said that she had been to the police but that they have not been able to help her.

Mrs Allendar added: "Why do they pick on pensioners who live on their own? What goes on in their sick minds?"

The pensioner said that she feels more alone now because her dog recently died of a brain tumour.

Sgt Ian Roe, of Stockton Heath Community Action Team, said that police were assisting Mrs Allendar with her problems but that nobody has been seen committing the offences.

He said: "The Community Action Team officers target problems such as this and do everything in their power to take positive action wherever the youths reponsible can be identified.

"This can range from visits to their homes, where they and their parents are advised, to criminal prosecutions where offences have been committed and we have the evidence to take action."

He added: "We also work closely with the residents affected and keep them informed over what action we can take."