POLICE are clamping down on a spate of vandalism and violence in North and West Malvern.

West Malvern Parish Council heard on Monday that action is being taken against groups of youths who have smashed cars, destroyed garden plants and, in at least two cases, assaulted residents who tried to stop them.

Beat officer PC Roger Pullin told the meeting, attended by some 15 householders, that the outbreak of incidents had happened in recent weeks.

Young people are gathering on the Malvern Hills around Tank Quarry, drinking alcohol and then leaving a trail of havoc in West Malvern Road and North Malvern Road, especially on Friday nights.

Local people described how the yobs have jumped on cars and wrecked plants growing in front gardens. One Mazda car suffered damage of £4,500. Estate agents' signs in front gardens had also been set alight.

A resident who remonstrated with the vandals was kicked so badly he was taken to hospital with fractured ribs. Another man had also been attacked.

PC Pullin told the meeting that suspects had been arrested in connection with that assault and he hoped that a prosecution would follow.

"At the moment, dealing with these problems is my absolute priority," he said. "Hopefully, we will reduce these problems down to nil."

Pc Pullin said patrols were being stepped up in the area and CCTV cameras would be installed covering the areas worst affected. Police are also working with trading standards officials to crack down on shops selling alcohol to juveniles.

"It's also the responsibility of parents to know where their children are," he said.