Frustrated residents have been forced to watch on tonight as youths have been spotted smashing windows and urinating outside empty businesses near their homes.

Buildings in Houndmills that have either been left empty or abandoned during the pandemic have been targeted by a group of teenagers.

One concerned neighbour who lives nearby said there are around "ten to 15" people currently throwing stones and smashing windows.

Basingstoke Gazette:

She told the Gazette: "You can literally just hear the building getting smashed to bits. And more bikes have gone down there. A girl just walked away from the building to go to the loo outside one business.

"And no sign of the police. Even though we've made about five reports before. Even though they could easily catch them."

The police turned up a short time after the neighbour spoke to the Gazette.

Five police units were called. As they arrived, half of the group of youngsters dispersed.

The rest remained inside the building, shouting at officers. 

The group were disbanded and police left the scene shortly before 10pm.