By JANE FIELD

NUISANCE youths have been blamed for a spate of air rifle attacks on an office building in the town centre.

Shots fired at the windows of New Town House on Buttermarket Street are putting workers at risk and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

In one incident, a pellet forced a piece of glass into an office where people were working.

"It's getting like the wild west. How long before someone is injured?" said Edward Benbow, head of security for the building, which is owned by the Commission for the New Towns.

All the shots are being fired from Cockhedge Lane, around the entrance where taxis queue.

The problems began during half-term in October last year when two young boys aged 11-13 were seen running away from the scene.

Since then there have been more incidents, usually at early evening time, and last week alone around £2,000 worth of damage was done to the building.

"If a pellet hit someone in a very vulnerable spot it could kill them. It is very irresponsible, dangerous and is costing us a lot of money," added Mr Benbow.

Detective Sergeant Dave Betts, of Warrington's community safety department, agrees.

"I don't think they realise the danger they are causing," he said.

"They should not be carrying a loaded air rifle.

"The police are taking action and looking at sending uniform patrols to the area."

Anyone who sees any young person with an air rifle in the town, or who has any information, is urged to contact the police.