AN elderly man is calling for action after claiming has become become the target of a hate campaign being waged by young yobs.

Mr Roy Leach, 71, says his home has been vandalised three times in a week by the teenage thugs, who also taunt him when he leaves the house in Cross Barn Walk, Darwen.

"I've had my bedroom window smashed and the front door damaged twice," he said.

"When I go out to tell the gang to move away they are cheeky to me. The police have been informed but there doesn't seem to be anything anybody can do. The laws need changing to make sure these people don't get away with terrorising others."

Sergeant Graham Marshall of Darwen police confirmed Mr Leach had reported the crimes.

He added: "A lot of positive work is going on in the Turncroft area to get to the root of the problems.

"We are working with the council to try and get some sort of shelter for young people.

"A lot of police time and effort is being put into the estate including a policy not to allow gangs to congregate in the area."

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