An elderly couple are living in fear of youngsters on their Oxford housing estate who have terrorised them for five years.

Alan and Ruby Barham's bungalow, in Sturges Close, Barton, is regularly under attack from children aged between eight and 16.

The young vandals pelt the walls and windows with eggs, tomato soup, wood and bricks.

Mrs Barham said: "It's very frightening. We fear for what will happen when we are in the house. We are always on edge. The last five years has been absolute hell.

"We are living on our nerves. We're afraid to go out because of what we'll find when we get back. These kids just bombard our home constantly."

Oxford City Council officers and police have tried to ease the situation, but former domestic Mrs Barham, 77, said she and her 75-year-old husband are still in constant fear.

Mrs Barham said: "We don't know why they pick on us. It's gradually got worse and the last fortnight has been terrible. It's frightening.

"We can never catch the culprits and we spend a lot of time cleaning up after them."

Both pensioners are in poor health. Mrs Barham has one kidney and lung and suffers from asthma, while Mr Barham is partially sighted and has high blood pressure.

Although the council has offered to relocate them, they said they should not have to leave their bungalow, which suits their health needs.

Mrs Barham said: "We like it here and just want some peace and quiet. Why should we be forced to go?

"We've been told we could have a security camera, but I think it would be too dark to see anything. The attacks always happen in the early hours of the morning or late at night."

David Magor, city council housing and revenues director, said: "We are taking this extremely seriously. We have discussed the situation with the couple concerned and are taking action to help them. This will include improving security at the property concerned.

"We are keen to take action against individuals who behave in an anti-social manner. We have recently set up a new neighbourhood services team to deal with this very problem."

A police spokesman confirmed officers had been dealing with complaints made by the Barhams.

She said: "It's a distressing situation for the couple and we are making further enquiries into it."