A FATHER and son from Weaverham say they were forced to barricade themselves into their own home last week because of a gang of thugs.

Mark and Jake Allison have been living in fear of a group of teenagers that they claim has been harassing them by driving past the house and confronting them in the street.

They have put cushions and pillows up against the windows of their home and blocked the front door with chairs in a bid to protect themselves from the alleged menace.

Over the past week, Mr Allison says the gang has targeted him, his son and his home and he has twice felt compelled to take the law into his own hands.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, he says he twice confronted youngsters in the village in relation to the problems - police records show no arrests or cautions were made against either party.

The situation apparently came to a head at the weekend and both he and his son are now said to be in safe places, away from the house.

Police officers from the Community Action Team (CAT) in the area are continuing to look into the situation.

Sgt Vincent Morrison said: "We have had a number of calls about allegations involving local youths, which are being investigated.

"The Community Action Team is liaising with the high school and investigations are carrying on in relation to the criminal allegations. These relate to a number of allegations of public order offences involving local youths.

"Various police officers have attended the address in question at various times during the past week in relation to claims of harassment, foul language and other public order offences.

"If anyone neighbours or members of the public in the area have any information about such incidents or can assist our investigations, we would be more than happy to speak to them."

The CAT can be contacted by ringing 01244 612543.

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk