Teachers on patrol after kids terrorise pensioner

The 85-year-old, who has difficulty walking, was left terrified when several windows of his home were smashed, causing £700 worth of damage.

A second attack then took place when a group of youths kicked in the front door of the victim’s Lordshill home.

A large group of youths were also heard cheering when the incident unfolded.

Now teachers from the local school have begun patrols of the area in an attempt to keep the youngsters under control.

Police say the youngsters responsible are believed to have come from Oasis Academy Lords Hill and they have sent officers into the school to talk with teachers.

Extra police patrols of the immediate area are being carried out – but they say teachers have also begun patrolling the local community during their lunch breaks.

The attack on the pensioner’s home in Lancaster Road has also prompted special assemblies at the school, according to police.

Head teacher Ian Golding said he was “appalled” that any of his students could carry out such an attack and said that photographs were now being looked at to try and identify those responsible.

He said: “As soon as we prove any individuals part in this incident we will be taking very strong measures against them.

The fact they were out behaving this way in the local neighbourhood, wearing our uniform in particular, is against our conduct as a school.

“I’m appalled by the behaviour of those responsible in putting others lives at risk and damaging property. They have let themselves down and let us down.

“It is my understanding that a group of children on the estate – some who belong to the Academy and some to other local schools – have been involved in antisocial behaviour.

“We are doing all we can to get to the bottom of that but I would like to make clear that this is not the Academy – but a minority of people within it.”

A spokesman for Hampshire police told the Daily Echo: “This is a despicable act on a vulnerable, elderly member of society.

We have teams of officers carrying out extra patrols in the area and we have also spoken with many local residents during house to house inquiries.

“Officers have spoken with Oasis Academy Lords Hill where we believe a group of male and female youths were from.”

So far no arrests have been made and police are urging anyone with information to make contact with local beat officer Pc Paul Martin by calling 101.