A YOUNG woman says she has been driven out of her home after a gang of youths subjected her to a campaign of terror.

The 21-year-old, who lived in the flat on Lovely Lane for seven months, claims that the group of around 20 boys aged between 14 and 16 gathered around the gate to her flat each day and pelted her windows and door with rocks.

The woman, who does not wish to be named said: "They just seem to be getting away with it.

"I called the police but unless they're caught in the act nothing can be done. They know this and start hanging around more frequently and earlier in the evening.

"I was so frightened because they knew it was me that had reported them so the attacks became directed at me. One Sunday they were throwing bricks in the yard and I couldn't leave my door. I was stuck inside all day."

As she packed up and left the flat, she claims the gang gathered round and threw rocks at her boyfriend's car. Later that day the empty flat was wrecked by the vandals.

Robin Berry, landlord of the flat and bookmakers on Lovely Lane, said: "I can't get any tenants in the property because of the youths.

"It seems to be the shops rather than the flats that are targeted but people are too scared to report anything. It's just mindless vandalism."

On Tuesday evening the youths struck again, smashing the door of the bookmakers.

A Warrington police spokesman said: "The properties are consistently being targeted by local youths hanging around in the early evening and causing damage to doors and windows.

"We are increasing our patrols in the area and have advised the manager of the shop with regard to security measures."

Anyone with information regarding the disturbances should call Warrington police on 652222.