A terrified father has been left fearing for his young children’s safety following a shocking attack by two thugs who attempted to break down his front door.
Distressing footage captured on a ring doorbell on April 13 shows the moment the two men, dressed in all black with their faces covered, approach the front door and proceed to violently kick at it in unison.
When this proves unsuccessful, the criminals then slam their hands on the door in a bid to gain entry to the flat in Toxteth, Liverpool.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the father of the family, who has chosen to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, said that both he and his family have experienced trouble at their home since 2018.
In fact, just 10 days after the horrific attack on their front door, he reports that a brick was thrown through their window.
Both attacks, he believes, are part of an ongoing intimidation campaign aimed at the family following reports filed related to anti-social behaviour and drug dealing in and around their building.
Merseyside Police have confirmed the they are investigating the two recent incidents and are treating them as violent attacks on the family.
Recounting his family’s decision to report the drug use, which has led to ‘lots of noise’ and even people ‘sleeping under the stairs’, the distressed father added: ‘I told the police and the landlord. Because I reported it, they targeted me.’
The family, who have been living in Liverpool since 2009, also claim to have received racist death threats posted under their front door.
Now, the father says he is fearful for the safety of his young children, aged four and six years old, telling the Echo that they are even sleeping with their parents ‘because they don’t want to be alone.’
He added: ‘I do not feel safe for my kids. If it was just me then, ok, but I am scared for my children.’
The family, who live in housing operated by social housing provider Onward Homes, state that they have asked to be relocated to a different area.
While they were previously offered alternative housing in Walton, a different residential region of Liverpool, they insist that they would like to remain close to their current residence to avoid further disruption to their children.
An Onward Homes spokesperson said: ‘Onward takes any reports of antisocial behaviour extremely seriously and works with local partners to tackle this when it occurs within our communities.
‘We understand this is a distressing situation for our customer and his family. Our Safer Neighbourhoods Team will continue to do everything within its power to support them, including signposting alternative housing options.
‘We would strongly encourage anyone witnessing criminal activity such as drug misuse, vandalism, or threatening communications to contact the police.’
A Merseyside Police spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo: ‘We can confirm that an investigation is ongoing following an incident in Toxteth on Sunday, April 13. At around 9.30pm, a report was received of an attempted burglary at a flat on Princes Road through a communal entrance. Damage was caused but no entry gained. CCTV, forensic, and other enquiries are ongoing.
‘Last Wednesday, April 23, a further incident of criminal damage was reported at this location, in which a rock was thrown through a window, causing damage. High-visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area, and house-to-house and CCTV enquiries completed, with a negative result.’
Local Policing Inspector Laura Chandler said: ‘We are aware of previous incidents reported at the location so are treating this attempted burglary and the criminal damage as targeted attacks while our investigation continues. These will have been frightening experiences, and we are supporting the victim.
‘If you live nearby and saw or heard anything on either of these dates, please let us know. Your information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage could be vital. Likewise, if you live in the area and have any information about any ongoing issues, come forward and we will take positive action.’
‘You can contact us via @MerPolCC or 101 with reference 25000303060, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.’