GANG of Balaclava-clad thugs have struck again, robbing a disabled man in his wheelchair.

Police say the "sickening" robbery is the latest in a series of crimes carried out by the gang.

The mob, which officers say consists of mainly 17 and 18-year-olds, has terrorised the Sharoe Green Lane area of Fulwood for several months.

Last week one of the gang snatched £7 from a wheelchair-bound Multiple Sclerosis sufferer in Sharoe Green Lane.

Police describe the robbery as "sickening", but locals reckon it's just the tip of the iceberg.

Residents claim to have been robbed, intimidated, verbally and physically threatened and even sexually harassed by the gang, who had been moved on from near Sharoe Green's Booths store in January as part of a crime crackdown. A resident, who wanted to stay anonymous, said: "I was surrounded by a group of youths wearing balaclavas. They shouted vulgar sexual innuendo at me.

"It was only when a friend walked by that they backed off. I have never been so frightened in my life."

She added: "Police have just moved the problem on 100 yards down the road." Another resident claimed her son had been beaten up by the gang.

Local councillor Liz Clarkson said: "We need the police to take firm action again."

Sergeant Kevin Otter, based in Fulwood, said: "We have had a lot of problems in the St Vincent's Road/Sherwood Way area since we solved the problems at Booths.

"One of the gang's ringleaders was sent to a youth detention centre for 10 months, but it appears that another has taken his place.

"We are keeping an eye on what is happening and taking action when necessary. We will investigate any crime."

Sergeant David Jakes, of Preston Police, said: "The latest incident, in which a man in the advanced stages of MS was targeted, made me feel sick. It is awful to think than someone could take advantage of his condition."

Anyone with information about the robbery, which took place at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 30, or about any other incident, should call (01772) 203203.

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