A Darlington man has been ‘terrorised’ and trapped in his own home for months by a group of teenagers targetting his property in a wave of anti-social behaviour.

Cristian Gombosanu, 38, has endured a daily barrage of rocks and bricks repeatedly thrown at his house in an effort to smash the windows.

Mr Gombosanu says he doesn’t know what started the attacks but believes he is being targeted due to being a Romanian.

The frightened resident has resorted to erecting barricades at the end of his garden and boarding up holes where his windows used to be in order to protect his home.

The Northern Echo: Cristian Gombosanu's home

The town's MP, Peter Gibson, said he was shocked to learn of the harassment Mr Gombosanu has been put through and said it was "simply unacceptable."

The 38-year-old, from Romania, said that the attacks began three months ago in November.

The Northern Echo: Cristian Gombosanu

He said: "They were bullying me and then harassing me…

"I have spoken to the police, they did come and they said that they would solve the problem.

"It has not sorted the problem.

"They bully me because I am Romanian. They shout at me 'go back to your country'.

"It's a mix of teenagers. I've had to block up the windows for my safety.

"They throw stones and bricks. I've put wood barricades in place at the end of the garden.

"It hasn't stopped them."

Monika Figiel, who lives next door, said: "It's the kids that are doing it.

"We have rung the police a few times. 

"Two men came around yesterday to help him board up the window of his bedroom (which had been smashed).

"Every day it happens, they throw everything at his house. 

"They all cover their faces. It's just crazy."

The Northern Echo: Cristian Gombosanu's barricade

A number of residents have started to help Mr Gombosanu after realising the extent of the damage to his house.

Vicki Heitman wants to start a fundraiser for people in the community to help pay for some window repairs.

She said: "What we have been seeing is heartbreaking. He is getting no help. He is being terrorised.

"It's awful. We had two men out last night helping him put up more boarding.

"He had his bedroom window broken. I'm losing sleep over this.

"We are trying to get some money raised. I'm going to sort out a fundraiser on Facebook."

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described how "everyone seems scared" to come forward and help Mr Gombosanu.

They said: "I've never seen police patrols here.

"There was an incident on October 23 last year where the same group were attacking a tree behind my house. 

"I went out and asked them to stop and they shouted at me and kicked my door. 

"I rang the police and just got a number."

Peter Gibson, Conservative MP for Darlington, said: "I was shocked to learn of this intimidation and harassment of a resident in Darlington.

"It is simply unacceptable.

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"I have reached out to the resident to offer my help and support and I have made contact with the police and council to make sure this appalling situation is dealt with.

"There is no place in our community for this behaviour and I strongly urge members of the public to come forward with information - and remind people of the ability to pass on information anonymously using crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “Officers are working with residents over concerns raised around anti-social behaviour on Roberts Walk in Darlington.

“The local neighbourhood team have increased patrols in the area and are issuing safer streets equipment to residents in the area.

“We are also working with Darlington Borough Council looking at measures to address the matter in partnership.”

 “I’d like to encourage residents to continue to report incidents via 101 or 999 in an emergency.”