BLOCKS of flats may have to be demolished because of teenage yobs terrorising tenants.

Hooligans have wrecked a number of flats at South Bank, near Middlesbrough, and owner Tees Valley Housing may now have to pull some of them down.

The housing association has sent letters to the 50 tenants left in the 78 flats in Mannion Court, warning that action will be taken against those responsible.

Carl Doolan, housing services manager with Tees Valley Housing, said: "We have suffered quite a significant amount of vandalism in recent weeks.

"In one recent incident, a property was broken into. The kitchen sink and bathroom sink were kicked off the walls to get the water going. Basically, the water has caused damage not only to that flat, but to the one below.''

There has been extensive damage to communal areas, with electrical wiring pulled out, windows broken, entry systems by-passed and door locks smashed. Security meshes have had to be put over windows.

Many tenants said they were too frightened of reprisals to report drug-dealing in some of the flats and intimidation from youths riding through the 15-year-old buildings on motorbikes.

Some youths have been seen racing stolen cars in the area.

Mannion Court has 15 blocks of flats, and Mr Doolan has warned that some may have to be demolished.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said crews were called to more fires at Mannion Court than the rest of Teesside last year.

Tony Churchill, manager at Grangetown fire station, said: "Rubbish and car fires are our big problem in that area. Recently the arson reduction force went in and looked at the amount of small seats of fire and they found a considerable amount. I do not think even Tees Valley Housing realised how bad that problem was.''

Mr Doolan said: "Four or five long-standing residents have moved out because of the problems."

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "This shows how anti-social behaviour can devastate a community.

"Cleveland Police do all they can to combat such behaviour, but they need the help of local communities to give them vital information to tackle those responsible. Together, we can beat this problem.'