Gang attacks van and torches car

The frightening incident took place around 10-15pm on Sunday in Cobden Street, Duke Bar.

The four men, who were wearing hoods and bandanas, smashed the windows of a van parked in the street before setting to the Ford Focus they had arrived in minutes earlier.

That car had also crashed into another parked car in the street.

No arrests have been made and police are appealing for witnesses.

Cobden Street resident Mr Brian Tomlinson (60) said many elderly people have become afraid to go out at night in the area.

Mr Tomlinson said: “This latest incident was just shocking. Lots of neighbours were out on the street when they heard the commotion.

“I have lived here for 25 years, and in the area all my life, but it has never been as bad.

“There are gangs roaming round, and lots of anti-social behaviour. Elderly people are afraid to go out at night and the police don’t seem to be able to clamp down on it.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting log number 1620 of July 10th.