A FORMER soldier who was in the thick of the action during the Gulf War today told how he had met his match - in York.

Robin Johnston, 47, said that serving in Kuwait and Iraq was nothing compared to the trouble he has experienced living on the Foxwood estate.

For Mr Johnston claims troublesome youths living nearby are carrying out a campaign of vandalism and robbery against him and his family.

And in just the last few months, he said he had suffered:

- Attacks on his garage

- Seeing his shed ripped apart

- Having car radios stolen and plants taken from his garden

- Volleys of abuse from the culprits.

Mr Johnston said he is close to breaking point and has now pleaded with police to intervene.

He said: "I have served in Northern Ireland, Zimbabwe and in Kuwait during the Gulf War.

"During my time in these trouble hotspots I have never seen such behaviour as I have seen during the last few months in Foxwood.

"One day, my shed had been ripped apart during the night. After spending all day repairing it, the next night the criminals came back and unscrewed the hinges.

"I would love to name them, as I have come face-to-face with them, but the law protects them.

"This campaign has caused me a great deal of stress and I am having to look over my shoulder all the time."

Chief Inspector Howard Harding, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "We are committed to taking action against anti-social behaviour of this kind.

"We will be visiting Mr Johnston to assure him that if we can do something to help, we will."

Updated: 09:49 Saturday, October 20, 2001