AN ELDERLY couple had trollies smashed into their front door and were ‘racially abused’ at their home in Basildon.

Essex Police are investigating the incident in Steeplehall at about 8pm on Wednesday.

According to witness reports on social media, a group of yobs gathered before hurling verbally racist abuse at the couple, believed to be Turkish.

They also pushed trollies into the couple’s home.

Police attended the scene, but the yobs had fled before they could get there.

John Emmett, 53, who lives near Steeplehall, said: “Sadly this is a common occurrence.

“I always hear kids and teenagers running down the street whilst shouting or causing loud commotion late or even at 1am most nights.

“It’s been happening for weeks, maybe even months now. Something has to be done.”

An Essex Police spokesman said the force was investigating the incident and looking for witnesses. He said: “We were called to the area at about 8pm on Wednesday with reports of anti-social behaviour in Steeplehall, Basildon.

“We received information that stones were thrown at a property and that a woman was sworn at.

“She also reported that the group of people kicked a neighbouring fence before leaving.”

The crime follows several incidents in the area this year, including another in Steeplehall where yobs smashed up people’s cars with crowbars.

Residents reported the group wore balaclavas and were trying to “take apart” the parked vehicles and jumping all over them.

Anyone with information should call Basildon police station on 101 quoting incident 1223 of 21/08 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.