Nine year-old's wrecking spree

People living in the Boxgrove area had hedges set on fire, cars vandalised, and stones thrown through their windows last weekend.

They believe the youngster is either the ring-leader, or part of a three-strong gang of youths, who are terrorising people with their anti-social behaviour.

Residents told the Herald they saw police corner the boy at the weekend, but officers are powerless to do anything until he reaches his 10th birthday '” the age of criminal responsibility.

One man told the Herald: "He was running across garage roofs. When the police asked him what he was doing he told them he was looking for his football. It was 1.30 in the morning."

Last week, the Herald reported how residents in the Boxgrove area of Goring were being driven to despair by the yobs.

They said they would follow the example set by people who lived in Durrington and take on the gangs themselves.

Locals have declared: "Enough is enough."

"We know who it is. The police know who it is. But no one can do anything at the moment.

"People are up in arms about it. Our lives are being wrecked.

"What are these kids doing out so late?

"If the kids can't be held responsible for their action then their parents should be."