A SPATE of arson attacks and vandalism has left Thurrock pensioners living in fear.

Derek Beackon, 61, lives in sheltered accommodation in West Road, South Ockendon, where he and his elderly neighbours have been the victims of nine incidents involving vandalism and arson since last December.

Mr Beackon, who moved into the accommodation in 2000 and was later diagnosed with diabetes, said they are living in dread of the next attack.

He said: "We're very angry. Some of the residents are over 80 and they are being dragged from their beds in the middle of the night when the fire brigade is here."

The last incident was on Tuesday, September 25 when bins and fences were set alight causing fire to destroy drainpipes and television aerials.

Previous incidents include the vandalism and arson of garden ornaments, fences, bins, cars and a garden shed, which left pensioners without phone lines after fire destroyed wiring.

Mr Beackon added: "We want CCTV installed but Thurrock Council don't seem to want to know.

"I've lodged a stage One complaint with the council and requested a transfer."

Inspector Nick Morris, of South Ockendon Police, said: "We are aware of the problems residents have been having over the last 12 months.

"One of the residents of the complex has been spoken to by police and the local authority and signed a good neighbour contract at the end of September.

"We would encourage residents to continue reporting incidents.

"Police will be carrying out patrols of the West Road area."

Councillor Ben Maney, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said Thurrock Council has a programme in place for installing CCTV and other such crime reducing facilities throughout the borough.

He said: "CCTV is only one option in a range of available measures to tackle unwelcome behaviour in Thurrock.

"I have been made aware of the concerns of the West Road residents and am determined that Thurrock Council, with our partners such as the police and other organisations, will remove anti-social behaviour from our streets.

"We are totally committed to working with our communities to take action against the small number of individuals committing anti-social behaviour."

Anyone witnessing anti-social behaviour should contact Thurrock Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team on 01708 891394 or police on 01375 391212.