A FATHER has said he is being forced out of his home by repeated vandalism.

Andrew Mosley, of Shelly Road, in Darlington, says the stress he has suffered has forced him to stay off work.

He said he is particularly worried as his 17-year-old daughter is due to give birth in a fortnight and he is concerned about her bringing up the baby in the house.

Mr Mosley, who also lives with his 11-year-old daughter, said: "I'm having to go on the sick for a few weeks because of this. I work at nights at Arriva and every time the phone rings at work, I have to run to get it because I keep thinking something's happened at home."

The house has been the target of vandalism since he moved there two years ago after his divorce. He believes the perpetrators are youths aged about 15 or 16.

In the most recent incident, a wooden fence post was thrown through his kitchen window on Monday evening.

He has had stones and eggs thrown at his car, his tyres slashed and his window shot out with an air rifle.

He added: "I haven't a clue why they're doing this, I wish I did. I just keep myself to myself. The council have said I don't have enough points to qualify for a change of house."

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said there are currently no vacancies for new houses, and a long waiting list.

He said: "We cannot comment on individual cases, but generally with instances where people are experiencing such problems, we would advise them to first contact the police.

"In exceptional circumstances, when ourselves and the police felt it was merited, we would look at moving a family."

Sergeant Mark Ralphs, of Darlington police, said he was aware of a number of incidents at the address.

He added: "It is certainly something we are looking into - the behaviour in that area and the things going on.

"We will be making inquiries."