"SCARED stiff" shop workers and residents are plagued by an aggressive, drunken gang who try to start fights with innocent passersby - but say police are nowhere to be seen.

The gang have been fighting, arguing and smashing glass bottles outside Cranham Drive shops as well as making lives a misery for staff and customers.

One shop worker, who also lives in the street, said the anti-social behaviour has been a constant problem in the area but police do not deal with it - despite being stationed close by.

West Mercia Police said it has not received reports of anti-social behaviour.

The shop assistant said: "There are a group of drunks standing by the shops chucking drinks and glasses.

"They are paralytically drunk, starting on random people.

"There is always something going on and it's becoming a regular thing. It's a joke around there.

"They are fighting, arguing, smashing glasses and it's one particular group. Some people are scared stiff."

A manager at Age UK said one of the youths had "set on one of the customers" last Saturday and estimated they were between 16 and 18 years of age.

"They were swearing outside the shop. Customers were frightened to come in.

"I haven't seen police on patrol for the last two weeks, they are never there when you need them."

Another shop worker said that incidents in the area had got "considerably worse" calling the youths a "bit of a nuisance". 

They added: "It affects all of us in some way. Police seem to walk past and turn a blind eye."

Ward councillor Jill Desayrah said: “This sort of anti-social /threatening behaviour is appalling and must not be tolerated. 

"If the local police aren’t seen to be acting that might be due to their being so overstretched and under-resourced after so many years of cuts under successive Tory administrations.   

"However it is vital that the public continues to report all crimes and incidents to the police, or the evidence needed to increase resources isn’t there.

"Now that I’m aware of this particular group I’ll inform the city council youth team so that they can also be involved.

"I’m very sorry to hear about residents feeling so afraid in their home area and I’ll do what I can to resolve the issue.”

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “This matter has not been reported to us but we take any issues around anti-social behaviour seriously and we will continue to work with shop owners to address such issues as and when they arise.

“We have a good working relationship with shop owners in the Warndon area but anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour should report it to the police via the ‘tell us about’ section of our website or by calling 101.

"Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting the Crimestoppers website - Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org).”