A HAVE-A-GO hero died of a heart attack after chasing a group of teenagers who tormented his family.

Lorry driver Jim Bell, 51, collapsed and died at his home just a few hours after he tried to catch the youngsters.

His wife, Valerie, 57, is blaming the tearaways for her husband's death.

Mrs Bell, a scheme manager at the Hadrian Lodge sheltered accommodation in South Shields, South Tyneside, said the couple had been tormented by youths.

She said: "We have always had problems around here with youngsters because they like to play in the neighbouring cemetery.

"But more recently we have had a couple of break-ins and two weeks ago someone came into the flat while Jim was in the shower and stole his mobile phone.

"A few days later we were sitting in the living room when our adopted grandson Dylan said he could see a group of seven teenagers crawling along underneath the window.

"My husband and I both jumped up and ran outside and the teenagers scattered. So Jim got in his car and chased after them down the road.

"I think he was just sick and tired of the trouble they had been causing us all and wanted to do something about it.

"But they had him running around in circles, so eventually he just came back."

Later that afternoon the couple were sitting at home, when Mr Bell suffered a heart attack. He died before he reached hospital.