Police have been given the go ahead to use tough new powers to disperse gangs of youths terrorising residents on an estate.

Teenage tearaways have been making life hell for residents in Eastwood - vandalising and graffiting homes, ripping down fences, spitting on mums and frightening pensioners.

From today officers and police community support officers have powers to break-up groups of more than two people if they believe they may cause intimidation, harassment or distress to residents.

They also have the power to take home anyone under 16 years-old who is not accompanied by an adult after 9pm.

Officers are allowed to use the powers in the area known as the Astronauts estate - the boundaries being north of Whitehouse Road/Eastwoodbury Lane, east side of Blatches Chase, west of Orchard Way.