Residents won't go into park without carrying rape alarms

COUNCILLOR DEMANDS MORE ACTION FROM POLICE TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL YOBS

- JOHN SCHEERHOUT

POLICE have been forced to issue a response following allegations GMP is failing to take action in a 'lawless' park controlled by gangs of masked teens on motorbikes.

Residents report that for at least two years they have been terrorised by thugs in and around King George V park in Middleton who 'tear up' the park on off-road bikes, attack other children and intimidate anyone who dares to confront or report them.

Parents are so fearful they've banned their kids from the park while another resident says they'll only venture into the park with body-cam and a rape alarm.

The intimidation appeared to peak on Sunday when the gang stole a pedal bike from a child and then attacked a group of eight-year-olds inside the park. On the same day, the gang surrounded and threatened to stab a councillor because they believed - correctly he was on the phone to police to report masked youths on off-road bikes racing around the park.