POLICE in Ashbourne say they are determined to catch two children who have relentlessly tormented an elderly woman in her own home for several months.
The “distressed” pensioner, who does not want to be identified, has been targeted by two boys — who are aged between nine and 11 — in the Hilltop area of the town.
Police say the boys have repeatedly targeted her in a concerted campaign of harassment and intimidation by shouting abuse and banging their fists on the doors and windows of her home, usually between 6pm and 7pm, before making off down a nearby alleyway.
Sergeant Steve Edwards of Ashbourne police said: “The lady didn’t want to bother us initially, so the message was passed on via a concerned third party.
“We have now been to see her to try to help.
“It seems that the two boys have been regularly targeting just this house for absolutely no reason whatsoever.
“We have made a lot of local house to house enquiries.
“Concerned neighbours have rallied to look out for her and they will let us know if these boys are seen.
“We have been given some useful information from these inquiries, which we are following up.” Sergeant Edwards said he would also be visiting schools in the area to try to identify the culprits.
He told the News Telegraph: “I am sure the parents of these boys will be disgusted with this behaviour, which is out of character for a place like Ashbourne.
“I am appealing to all parents who have boys aged nine to 11 in the general Hilltop area, to ask them if they know who the culprits are.
“They can contact us, anonymously if necessary , and we will do the rest.
“If necessary, I will personally be visiting the local schools when they reopen to address the pupils in an effort to get this stopped, as someone will certainly tell us exactly who is responsible.”
A Hilltop resident, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said: “Generally, the kids are all right around here, we’ve never had a problem.
“They’re just kids and do what kids do, but I’m shocked to hear that someone is getting harassed.”
Anybody who has any information about the harassment urged to telephone Derbyshire Police on 0345 1233333 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Information should be directed to Sergeant 1675 Edwards or PCSO 16120 Blackwell at Ashbourne Police Station.
