A VILLAGE has fallen victim to gang violence, arson attacks, robberies, and drug activity, according to angry residents.

Residents of Wingate, in east Durham, said the community is being tormented by crime and antisocial behaviour with some people afraid to leave their homes.

Homeowners said over recent months there has been a spate of incidents with witnesses and victims too afraid to speak out.

In the early hours, of Thursday morning, whilst a family were asleep in bed their car, home, and caravan were torched causing uproar in the community.

A house, together with a car and caravan parked on the drive, were damaged in the incident.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently in police custody.

It came after victim and father Sean Ivey, posted a video encouraging the community to come together claiming a group of four men walked into his parents' house and burgled them.

He said they were carrying weapons and threatened them both.

The Northern Echo:

In a statement online he said: "We're good standing members of the community and now, because I spoke out against anti social behaviour my 5 year old boy, 7 year old girl, wife and myself were almost murdered whilst asleep.

"I want people to know that not enough is being done to curb anti social behaviour! People are not being held accountable or responsible!

"Help me to help you and everyone else who are becoming victims of the poison that lives in our local communities."

The Northern Echo:

Another frustrated resident, who would like to remain anonymous said: “There have been complaints for months about antisocial behaviour in the Wingate area and I’ve attended meetings and we’ve been made promises by the police but nothing has been done. We were told operations and campaigns were going to be launched but the problem is still going on.

"We've had countless arsons and it seems like they're targeting innocent families it's disgusting."

Neighbourhood Inspector Emma Kay, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Thankfully no-one was injured in this incident, but the fire caused significant damage.

“We are urging those living in the community to come forward with any information they may have.

“I would like to reassure residents that extra officers will be patrolling the area and I would urge anyone who sees them to speak to them.”

Anyone with any information can contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 23 of March 18 or alternatively, via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.

An appeal has been set up to raise money for the family.

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/seanivey