A MAN who was attacked outside his own home says he fears antisocial behaviour in his village is getting out of control.

Craig Halliday was attacked with a large stick at about 8.20pm on October 12, after he confronted youths who threw a stone at his window.

The 53-year-old suffered bruising to his arm and back and despite reporting the incident to the police, says the teenagers are still taunting him by using his window ledge as a "park bench".

The father-of-one said: "Kids go past every morning and have eben carrying big sticks but the police don't bother at all.

"There's no law in Evenwood - it's really depressing."

He added: "There's no repercussions for actions."

Mr Halliday, who is a support worker, said he has lived in the village for about nine years and noticed the situation getting worse in the last three.

He said: "I come home from work and they are on the street outside your house carrying sticks - the law enforcement is the kids."

Mr Halliday handed CCTV to the police of the incident but was told it was too poor quality to help their investigation.

However, the police have insisted they are investigating and wanted to encourage residents to wok with them and report any problems with antisocial behaviour.

A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: “There has been a slight rise in antisocial behaviour in Evenwood over the last couple of months and we are working with the parish council, local residents and local youths to tackle the issue.

“We would like to reassure residents that reports of antisocial behaviour are taken extremely seriously, and when offences have been reported, swift action has been taken to address the issue.

“A lot of positive work is being carried out by officers to engage local youths, and we would encourage residents to work with the local beat team and report any incidents of antisocial behaviour.”

It is not the first time the issue has been raised in the community, with previous incidents including youngsters climbing garages and using air rifles to shoot birds.

The village's cricket club was also vandalised last year, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Clerk of Evenwood and Barony Parish Council, Martin Clark, said the council had not been made aware of the incident involving Mr Halliday but councillors do get a report on crime from their neighbourhood team at the end of every month.

Mr Clark said: "The parish council continue to work with the police to try to reduce the issues of antisocial behaviour in the parish, not just the village and when issues arise it's not afraid to bring them to book."