Terrified residents plagued by brick-throwing yob gang in Doncaster village

Locals in Arksey say the feel unsafe in their own homes with gangs throwing bricks at moving cars and physical and verbal attacks on members of the public.

One incident resulted in a car crashing after rocks were thrown at it – and residents say they are at the end of their tether.

The vandals, believed to be between the ages of 18-21, have been causing chaos for several weeks near to the level crossing which leads into the village and also in the nearby cemetery.

One resident said: “My partner was confronted in the cemetery, they tried to take his phone out of his pocket.

"Where the toilets are in the cemetery was a police van, so he told them and apparently, they shrugged.”

Several weeks ago, one resident was left with an injury to the head when he attempted to confront the gangs after bricks were thrown at his van twice.

The victim said: “One of the youths started flying in with punches then the whole group, even adults, joined in when I hit the floor.

“No one helped, a police car I flagged down drove off. It took three hours for the police to answer and stop cutting me off the phone.”

One resident said the mask-wearing gang gather in the early evenings before going on the rampage.

Other reported incidents include fireworks being set off in early hours of the morning, rocks smashing a windscreen of a car when a two-year-old was in the vehicle and damage to the train barriers at the crossing which resulted in the road having to be closed while repairs took place.

Many of those living in Arksey have contacted Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband as a result.

The politician has written back to some residents stating he is looking into the incidents.

One resident who contacted Mr Miliband said: “Between 5pm and 7.30pm I have anxiety wondering if my husband is going to get a brick through the car on his way home from work. It’s terrifying. This is life threatening.

“If you are on your own, they call you names, they are not bothered who you are. An elderly lady was recently verbally abused by them.”

Another took to social media to say: “The council will not respond, and the police just ask you to raise a complaint with them. I have done the above several times.”

Residents say they especially feel in danger at the level crossing barriers due to four or five trains crossing at once, leaving their cars stopped for long periods of time.

Some drivers purposefully use different and longer routes just to get to their homes to avoid bricks being thrown at their car at the crossing, one resident said.

However, the police have said that they are taking all reported incidents seriously and are increasing patrols.

Inspector Seb Dent, from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are aware of six incidents involving young people throwing objects at vehicles in the Arksey area of Doncaster so far this year, and enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.

“In response to recent reports, our officers have increased patrols in the area to prevent further incidents and continue to deal robustly with any reports made by members of the community. We will also continue to work with partner agencies to tackle this type of crime and educate those at risk of offending.

“I would urge anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour to report concerns to police. Your support is vital as it allows officers to develop targeted plans to tackle the issues that affect you most.

“If you see our officers in the area, please do speak to them to discuss any concerns, they are there to support you.”

You can call 101, report online, or speak to your local team.”