Police have boarded up a Stoke-on-Trent house at the centre of a 'vendetta'. Neighbours were too scared to let their children play outside as the house and a car were smashed up.

An axe was also found in a neighbour's garden at the height of the troubles.

Now Staffordshire Police have secured a three-month closure order for the property on Abbey Road, in Abbey Hulton. Anyone who tries to enter the property between now and May 14 can be arrested and even jailed.

One neighbour said: "It was like a vendetta. The windows were smashed first and then the car. There is a big family a few doors down and they were absolutely complaining about it because they couldn't let the kids out because of what they were taking."

Police have welcomed the granting of the closure order.

Anyone who tries to enter the property in the next three months can be arrested and even jailed (LDRS).

Chief Inspector Scott McGrath, from Stoke North local policing team, said: "Over the last few months, we had received reports of drug use and anti-social behaviour at the address and this has had a detrimental impact on the lives of those living in the area.

"We have worked with partners in attempts to reduce anti-social behaviour at the address before seeking a closure order."

Councillor David Williams, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "We know the issues with this property were having a negative impact on the community. To take swift action the council's anti-social behaviour team worked closely with Staffordshire Police to reassure residents and combat the anti-social behaviour. Everybody should be able to feel safe in their local area."

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