A LANDLORD has slammed the yobs responsible for running riot in his pub while his young children slept in an upstairs room.

Darren Johnson, licensee of the Knights Grange, has spoken of his fear when the gang of drunken teenagers went on the rampage at around 6.30am on Saturday.

He said: "I heard them outside in the beer garden tipping over the tables and causing trouble.

"I went outside and the next thing I knew there were bottles flying everywhere and they were threatening to attack me.

"I'm a 6ft4in ex rugby player but I have to say I was very frightened and went back into the pub and locked the door."

The gang of around 12 youths then kicked down the front door to the pub before smashing windows and tables, causing £1,000 of damage while Darren was upstairs with his six and nine-year-old sons.

He said: "They have caused a lot of damage and it was a very scary incident because they were clearly extremely drunk so I didn't know what they were capable of."

The youths were all dressed in smart evening wear and Darren believes they may have been returning from an end of year school prom.

He said: "I want to know why they were so drunk if they had been to a school event and I will be contacting both high schools for more information."

Police are now appealing for information to catch the gang who ran off in the direction of Verdin High School.

One of the offenders was wearing a baby pink waistcoat and one of the girls involved is described as having tied back mousy hair and wearing a red strapless top.

Anyone with information should call PC Andrew Connor on 0845 4580000.