A COLCHESTER councillor has called for an urgent meeting with police after a gang of hoodlums terrorised three estates.

More than a dozen incidents of criminal damage have taken place on the Monkwick, Solus and Quarters estates during the past few weeks.

Residents believe the same gang are responsible for the arson at the playground in John Mace Road which caused more than £20,000 damage.

Ward member Dave Harris wrote to Essex Police.

He said: “I am deeply concerned over a crime wave in my Ward of Berechurch happening over the past three to four weeks.

“There is a lot of smashed glass , in houses, in cars and breakages “A local play park has had £25k worth of damage with an arson attack “The youths alledgedly involved are well known and I appeal to you for a meeting to discuss how the community, including myself, and the police can curtail this and the impact to my residents.”

Speaking to the Gazette he added: “It is disgraceful. I have asked for extra patrols. I have been out doing patrols myself.”

And Essex Police responded.

A spokesman said: “Police patrols are paying attention to the area and if anyone sees suspicious behaviour in the area or has any other information which could assist the police they are asked to call Colchester police station on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.”

Incidents included more than a dozen car and house windows being smashed.