YOUNGSTERS have been annoying Thorpe Bay residents by shining laser pens in their eyes.

The incidents have been reported in Bournes Green Park area where police have received numerous complains in recent times of antisocial behaviour by teenagers.

Two weeks ago, the Echo reported residents in Whittingham Avenue had complained of problems with two men dangerously riding motorbikes in local roads and across the Bournes Green Park playing fields.

Changing rooms at the park, used by local football teams, have also been damaged by vandals, who pulled bricks from a wall, broke and smashed up the interior.

The latest problems have involved youths squirting water in people’s faces and shining lasers in their eyes.

Thorpe Bay ward councillor Derek Kenyon said police were aware of the latest problems and had identified some of the culprits.

He added: “There was an incident with shining laser pens in people’s eyes. The residents are getting very fed up with this behaviour and I believe there are groups that are starting to be formed and they are trying to put a stop to this, but the police are actively involved and they have identified some of the culprits.

“However, there is no excuse for this sort of thing. It is just mindless.”

Mr Kenyon said so far, it appeared only water was being squirted, local people feared something more harmful might be used in the future.

A lack of street lighting and CCTV cameras in the park had not helped, he added.