THUGS as young as seven-years-old are terrorising residents in Tweedbank.

They are part of a stone-throwing gang which has reportedly been targeting homes, cars and pets in recent weeks.

But anyone who has confronted them has been met with a mouthful of abuse.

Local resident Jan Patterson said: “One incident resorted in an old man looking very ill and at the end of his tether. My cats have been hit with stones and my livingroom window where my baby sits in her walker.” The baby-faced gang, which includes both boys and girls believed to be aged between seven and 14-years-old, has been spotted running riot in Neidpath Court, Honeylees Drive and Stobshaw Terrace areas.

Ms Patterson said: “Over the past few weeks there has been a large group of children in the woods near Broadlee Bank throwing stones and other objects at windows, cats and even adults who come out to confront them.

“The language coming from their mouths to some of the more mature residents is shameful and I urge anyone who is having trouble from these children to contact the police.

“When a resident of 30 odd years in Tweedbank gets called 'big t*ts’ and told they are going to make up a story that her son hit them, then having an old man with dementia receive a mountain of 'f**k off’ abuse, it’s not kids being kids.” Another resident confirmed that cars were damaged in Honeylees Drive - with the unruly children the prime suspects.

And, with the holidays due to continue for a number of weeks yet, fears have been voiced that they could wreak more havoc before the schools return.

Emily la Grange said: “There is a big difference between kids mucking about and what this bunch have been up to the last few nights, crawling all over someone’s work van, throwing stones towards windows, animals and people. They are very rude and abusive and have no respect at all and worrying old folk.” Bruce Clapperton added: “They have no respect for anybody or anything.” A number of residents have reported their concern to the police.