TROUBLE-torn residents have handed police photographs of a gang who have plagued their neighbourhood and made their lives a misery.

Angry householders from the Abel Street and Evelyn Street area of Burnley won a promise of swift police action after they complained of months of abuse, damage to property, muggings and threats at a clear-the-air meeting with police and Liberal Democrat councillors.

Photographs of gang members -- aged between eight and 17 -- were handed to police Inspector Steve Hartley, who promised a crackdown on offenders.

This week, Insp Hartley said police presence in the area had been increased, another meeting with residents was planned and the installation of CCTV cameras, supplied by the police, was being looked at.

He said: "A number of young people, some under the age of 10, are creating havoc. They will be targeted and we are giving serious consideration to using powers for anti-social behaviour orders and curfews.

"These youngsters are out on the streets after 10 at night and some parents need to reflect on that. They have had warnings, which have not been heeded. We shall gather evidence for a sustainable solution rather than short term fixes." Ward councillor Mozaquir Ali, said he would also pursue the issue with Burnley Council, which, he said, had dragged its feet on issuing anti-social behaviour orders .

After the meeting, attended by about 30 residents in the Burnley Works Sports Club, Coun Ali said: "We had similar problems in the area some years ago and these were solved when some problem families moved out.

"The latest bad troubles have been going on for over six months and involve a small group of young people, some of whom come from outside the area.

"Residents are frightened and some are threatening to leave the district because things have got so bad."

Coun Ali said he was impressed by the prompt response of Inspector Hartley who, he said, had promised to target the area with a number of crime-busting initiatives, including a greater police presence.

Coun Ali added: "There has been everything from window-smashing to physical assaults and I have seen residents in tears because they are so distressed over what has been going on. In one incident one hooligan produced a gun and threatened to shoot a lady's cat."

"I am very pleased with the police response, which I feel sure will bring results.

"But I will also be taking the issue up with Burnley Council, which is simply not making use of the new powers it has to deal with anti-social behaviour."