A GANG who terrorised a family so badly they were forced to flee their home have been banned from three streets in Widnes.

Michael Naughton, aged 17, Daniel Cosgrove, aged 18, and Lee Coles, aged 19, face up to five years in prison if they step foot in Abbey, Canterbury or York Road in the next two years.

Their campaign of intimidation, which included attacking people and hurling missiles at homes and cars, was only thwarted when courageous residents stood up to them, giving vital evidence used in court.

"The ASBOs would not have been possible without the support of the witnesses who were brave enough to stand up to these youths, giving statements to the police and attending court prepared to give evidence against them," a Halton Council spokesperson said.

Coles, Cosgrove and Naughton - who the World can name and shame despite his age after the judge lifted reporting restrictions - wreaked havoc over the course of a year in the area they are now banned from.

One distressed family, too fearful to be named, were hounded so intensely they fled their home just days before Christmas.

Neighbourhood policing inspector, Nick Bailey, said the ASBOs were a victory for the community and a sign that cooperation between residents, police and the housing authorities, could work.

"By imposing ASBOs on these individuals, Cheshire Police and Halton Council hope to show that action will be taken against those who cause people misery," he said.

"If breaches do occur they will be arrested and custodial sentences sought to enforce the message to those who behave in an anti-social way that it will not be tolerated and I would encourage anybody who witnesses any breach to report it.

"We have shown that the police in Widnes are prepared to use all options available to tackle anti-social behaviour. However, for long term success, the support and co-operation of the public is vital and something we will continue to strive to earn."

Cllr Marie Wright, executive board member for community safety, said: "I'm delighted the residents of the Abbey, Canterbury and York Road area will at last have some quality of life in their homes."

To report an incident to the police's community action team call 0845-458 6383.