A COUPLE say they are afraid to live in their own home after being constantly targeted by a gang of youths.

And the problem has become so bad that police are planning to install CCTV cameras outside the property.

Hamed Babukar moved into a bottom floor flat on Tory Street, Blackburn, in June and says his life has been made a living hell by a gang of young Asians who park directly outside his living room almost every night.

Mr Babukar, who is originally from Sudan, says he has had his windows broken and has had to live with loud music being played outside his living room and bedroom window late into the night.

A local councillor has asked for action against the youths, who he feels are targeting Mr Babukar and his wife because they are black.

Mr Babukar said: "I have only been here a couple of months and it has been one bad experience after another.

"The youths park up outside my window and play loud music until three in the morning. Sometimes there are three cars and they just sit there and smoke drugs all night."

"Both myself and my wife don't even go into the living room area after 9pm.

"I am too afraid to confront them. My windows have already been smashed and someone tried to start a fire in my back yard."

"When I go to mosque my wife is afraid to be in the house alone."

There is no road or designated parking area outside Mr Babukar's living room and bedroom window.

"When they see the police coming they just drive off." said Mr Babukar "I thought it would be safer coming to live near a mosque among other Muslims but I am not.

"Even when I am on my way to mosque I get abused by some people."

Coun Sajid Ali, who represents the Bastwell ward, said: "I find it very sad that a Muslim should move into a predominately Asian area and be targeted like this.

"We have asked the police to install CCTV cameras outside the house to deter these youths.

"I personally think if he was an Asian he would not be getting harassed in this way.

"It is because he is black that this is happening."

Sgt Paul Goodall said: "I can confirm that police are investigating a complaint of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour at Mr Babuker's home address on Tory Street.

"I have spoken to Mr Babukar personally about the matter and there are currently plans in place to install CCTV at the address in order to identify possible offenders and to deter any future incidents of anti-social behaviour.

"Anyone with any information should contact police on 08451 253545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."