A TENANT who twice threatened to ignite gas and blow up his property has been made the subject of an interim anti-social behaviour order.

The case was brought by North Sunderland Housing Company before District Judge Loomba, sitting at Sunderland County Court yesterday.

The order was granted after the court heard that Stephen John Roxby, 49, of Brandling Street, Roker, had allowed gas to build up in his home and threatened to ignite it on two occasions last year - on March 28 and April 24.

On the second occasion, officers from Northumbria Police evacuated the street.

Neighbours had also been disturbed by Mr Roxby's behaviour, which included ringing the door entry system of the block where he lives, disturbing other residents, using foul and abusive language and urinating in the communal areas of the block.

Since the second incident, Mr Roxby has remained away from the property but is now seeking to resume possession.

Andrew Thom, a solicitor for Sunderland Housing Group, said the order allowed the group and Northumbria Police to control Mr Roxby's behaviour should he return to the property.

The order prevents Mr Roxby from engaging in or threatening to engage in conduct causing or likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance to any person living in, or visiting the area near the property in Brandling Street.

He is also prevented from allowing gas to escape from the premises and from igniting or threatening to ignite gas.