GUN yobs, aged about 11, have terrorised residents, damaging properties and shooting at bystanders.

Several people have come forward stating the gang have been using suspected air rifles to damage caravan windows and shoot at residents.

The Quart Pot pub, Runwell Road, Wickford, was also damaged by BB gun fire.

Residents have told the Echo that the yobs have damaged several caravan windows on Church End Lane, as well as shooting at a woman in Runwell Park.

The owner of the caravan, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the ball bearing from the gun ruined their window.

She said: “I came back from shopping and noticed the big window in my caravan which was facing the road, had been broken in the middle.

“We’ve taped over it for now but will have to replace it.”

She added that this incident is uncommon in the area.

She explained: “It’s such a shame.

“Runwell used to be a lovely quiet place to live.

“Now there’s this horrible element of antisocial behaviour by young thugs who take their pleasure in creating misery and damage for other people.”

The victim of the alleged shooting, which the Echo has been told took place on December 21, stated that the group had tried to scare her before firing the gun.

The woman, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: “They picked on me as I was alone.

“After they shot, I just slowly looked up, stared at them and said ‘Don’t tease me. “You missed. Try again’.”

She also described the appearance of the thugs as they fled from the scene.

She added: “There was two boys, they were aged about 11.

“They ran off back to Meadow Lane.

“I watched them go through the gap at the back of the field, I see them go all the way.

“One was wearing a light grey tracksuit and hoodie.

“The other had dark hair and was wearing a black tracksuit.

“He was the one with the BB gun.

“He tried to disguise it at first by hiding it down the length of his leg.

“As they ran off I could hear the ammo jingling in their pocket.

The owner of the caravan stated that Essex Police would be contacted.

The Quart Pot pub was also contacted for a comment by the Echo.