An elderly couple were trapped in their home by youngsters throwing stones.

Now their concerned daughter has called for action to protect her parents. Maria Durrell's parents Ernie and Edith Revett live in Britannia Crescent in Wivenhoe.

She said the stone throwing attack was just the latest in a series of problems for people living in the quiet road.

Mrs Durrell, who lives in Great Bromley, said: "My parents have lived in their home for more than 45 years and there are many families in the road who have also been there a long time.

"Mum and Dad were in the back of the house and the people living opposite could see a group of youngsters throwing stones at their home.

"They telephoned my parents and told them to stay inside and then phoned the police. The youngsters are about 11-years-old.

"The police must have a record as long as their arm of the number of incidents they have been called to in the road."

Mrs Durrell added: "My parents are in their late 70s and do not want this sort of thing at their time of life, but it just seems to go on and on. My mum is afraid to go out into her own front garden.

"I will hold these youngsters wholly responsible if the situation affects my parents' health."

Mrs Durrell, however, also wanted to thank her parents' neighbours for their support and kindness.

She said: "My mum and dad are not the only people to suffer, and on that occasion they received a lot of support from others living in the road.

"People are abused, balls are kicked into gardens and the youngsters run over the gardens."

Phil Adams, Colchester Council's housing general manager, said: "We are aware of the problems of youngsters playing on the greensward in Britannia Crescent and 'no ball games' signs are planned which we will monitor."

He added the council had become aware of a situation at Britannia Crescent a couple of weeks ago.

"We received reports of anti-social behaviour and feel at this stage all we can do is monitor the situation. We have been assured these were relatively minor incidents.

"We have actioned the initial complaint and if we receive any further complaints we will investigate and take any action appropriate given the circumstances."

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