AN IPSWICH mother who sheltered four terrifed youngsters from an angry gang of yobs has today spoken of her ordeal.Eileen Perkins was terrified as the group of teens, who are friends of her son, sought refuge in her Anita Close home and immediately contacted the police.

AN IPSWICH mother who sheltered four terrifed youngsters from an angry gang of yobs has today spoken of her ordeal.

Eileen Perkins was terrified as the group of teens, who are friends of her son, sought refuge in her Anita Close home and immediately contacted the police.

But no assistance arrived and Mrs Perkins was so angry she contacted the Evening Star.

She said: "I was really shook up and needed police help.

"I'm so bitter about this, I can't express my feelings.

"I wanted the police there and then - I had four frightened children in my home.

"My husband ran off to catch up with the gang, they were shouting abusive language and threatening to smash up our car.

"I had no idea what was happening to my husband and was so upset I was shaking."

The incident happened on Thursday at around 8.45pm.

The 14-year-olds had been walking towards Mrs Perkin's house hoping to visit her son.

But when a gang of six youths approached, they hammered on the door and begged their friend's mother to let them in.

Mrs Perkins still hadn't heard from police on Friday morning.

She said: "It's too late now. We want street patrols here because this area has got so bad.

"I have never dialled 999 before and it took me a while to get through.

"I see police in the town in threes talking to people but we need them here patrolling at night.

"We pay the police and I felt they were no help."

A spokeswoman for Ipswich police said: "We had three calls in that area about the group and we dispatched a car but there was no trace of the youths.

"We then had to dispatch the car to another incident which is why no one could see Mrs Perkins.

"I have spoken to a duty officer and he is making arrangements to speak to her."

According to Mrs Perkins it is not the first time the group have plagued the area.

She said: "We've had paint thrown at windows and cars smashed up.

"Everyone is frightened of the group and everyone knows who they are.

"I had to collect my son from a friend's house the other night because he was too scared to come home."

N What do you think? Have you been plagued by yobs? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk