A gang of youths went on the rampage causing havoc in Witham.

Missiles were thrown at homes, houses raided and people attacked.

Residents reported a gang of more than 20 hoodlums roaming the Courts estate carrying weapons.

At 8.28pm on Friday a group set about throwing rocks at Guy Butler’s property, smashing windows and causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Mr Butler said his teenage children were “terrified” when the gang attacked at random.

“At first they heard a noise on the windows and thought it was heavy rain, but it kept getting worse,” he said.

“The group were throwing stones and bricks at my patio doors and windows.

“There were 27 youths with weapons like bottles, poles and chains.

“The CCTV footage I captured from my house is horrendous. It is more by luck than judgment that no one was hurt.”

The same night, one of Mr Butler’s neighbours is believed to have been burgled by the gang after they snuck their way into his home.

Mr Butler said: “He looked out his back door and saw a group of 40 of them. He couldn’t do anything because there were so many.

“He was terrified, and they managed to let themselves in.

“They took it upon themselves to take various items, including a Playstation, from inside his home.”

On Sunday, a member of the public was assaulted after confronting a gang of youths who had vandalised gardens in Humber Road.

Witham Town Mayor JoAnn Williams said: “It seems to be a small group of youths who feel they have the run of the town. They need to know they are not able to do whatever they like.

“We do not want Witham to get a bad reputation.”

Police are investigating an incident of criminal damage on Friday night involving a group of youths in Campbell Road and an assault on Sunday in Humber Road where a 27-year-old suffered a black eye and a wound to his ear from a group of youths on Sunday. at 5.45pm.

Insp Colin Cox said: “We are aware of concerns relating to anti-social behaviour in parts of Witham and I would like to reassure residents we take these seriously.

“Officers will be conducting patrols in the areas of concern and anyone seen engaging in unacceptable anti-social behaviour will be challenged and dealt with appropriately.

“No one should have to live in a community where the behaviour of a handful of individuals leaves them concerned for their safety.

“However we need residents to work with us on this issue and I would urge anyone with information about anti-social behaviour where they live to report it.”

Call Braintree police station on 101 or go online at www.essex.police.uk/doitonline with information