VICTIMS of violent crime in York said today they were "under siege" from gangs of young thugs.

More than 200 residents of the Acomb, Holgate and Foxwood areas of the city packed a highly-charged public meeting in Acomb Parish Hall to discuss youth crime and antisocial behaviour.

York MP Hugh Bayley was prompted to organise it after attack victim Doug Unwin visited him to discuss his ordeal.

The area has witnessed a worrying rise in the number of serious attack on residents by youngsters.

In the last three months, the Evening Press has reported a number of shocking incidents.

They included an attack which left Mr Unwin scarred for life when he was struck on the head with a mini-scooter in Kingswood Grove, Acomb, and another incident which left local man Chris Gregory fighting for his life after an alleged attack in Beckfield Lane.

Residents today quizzed representatives from York Police and City of York Council, and magistrates.

Mr Unwin was cheered when he told the meeting that little was being done to stop gangs of youths terrorising the community.

"The justice system to does not appear to have power or the will to clear the streets of this menace," he said.

"There seems to be an increasing minority of young people who believe they are above the law and untouchable."

Roger Hall, from Green Lane Residents' Association, said there was persistent vandalism in the area, and called for video surveillance cameras to be installed.

Rosie Wall, chair of Chapelfields Residents' Association - whose son, Daniel, was murdered in Gillygate, York, in December - said it was not only youths who were to blame for antisocial behaviour.

"Shouldn't we look at it in a wider sphere? Things are going on at the flats where my daughter lives that shouldn't be, and it's adults who are doing it," she said.

Peter Taylor, of Hobgate, in Holgate, condemned the closure of Acomb Police Station to the public.

Sergeant Mike Stubbs said it was not cost-effective or sensible to have a police station that is now used for training open to the public.

Mr Bayley said: "There is no magic wand to deal with these problems, but I do hope that we can get some constructive ideas about what we can do, all together, to tackle these problems."

More from the meeting in Monday's Evening Press

Updated: 12:05 Saturday, February 21, 2004