RESIDENTS are "living in fear" in an area of Accrington which has been at the centre of a murder inquiry, it has been claimed.

Chairman of the Central Residents' Association Bernard Sullivan said people in the area were "frightened to death".

He told a meeting of Hyndburn Police and Community Forum that crime was knocking "tens of thousands of pounds" off the value of people's houses.

Speaking at the Accrington town hall meeting, Mr Sullivan said: "Over the last 12 months we have had one death and several fires.

"Eight neighbours have left and nine houses are up for sale. People are frightened to death in the area and keep their doors locked all day. I have lived on this estate for 37 years and it has never been so bad. This is knocking tens of thousands of pounds off the value of people's houses." Mr Sullivan also claimed a gang of youths had thrown broken glass at his wife as she walked down the street. Three men have appeared in court accused of the murder of 18-year-old Sajjad Mahmood who was last seen at a house in Princess Street in the area.

His body was pulled from Haggs Lodge, near to the town's Asda store on April 1. But residents have claimed there have also been a series of unrelated crimes and other incidents in the area.

But police reassured Mr Sullivan that patrols had been increased in the area in a bid to win the war against crime.

Sergeant Mark Rothwell of Accrington Police said: "This area is one of three targeted for increased patrols.

"I spend all my time in that area and it must get more policing than any other area of town."

Chief Inspector Mick Turner added: "We want to work closely with the council, social services and residents to get rid of this problem."

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