Youth filmed carrying gun on Longmead estate

8:06am Thursday 15th May 2008

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Brazen thugs are again terrorising residents on the Longmead estate and, as our chilling picture shows, this time they are armed.

The video footage was captured less than two weeks ago by a resident who spotted a group of five youths racing around the estate on motorbikes. Concerned that someone could get hurt she began filming in the hope she could submit it to police, but was left stunned when she saw one of the feral youths was armed.

"He was shooting at the derelict hospital and was pointing it at houses as well. He was walking through the estate just carrying it over his arm," the resident, whose identity we are protecting, said. "I called the police immediately and asked them whether they wanted me to go out and show the officers the footage, but they said no and that they would try and find them themselves."

"It looked like a shotgun or a rifle. I wasn't very impressed with it really. I think it was probably an air gun because he kept splitting it in half and putting things in the end, so I'm sure it was probably a pellet gun."

The incident began on Sunday, May 4 at 7pm, and, after she contacted the police, officers on the ground and a helicopter hunted for the gang but were unsuccessful.

Nearly two weeks on, the resident had still not heard from officers until the Epsom Guardian contacted them directly.

Epsom and Ewell Neighbourhood Inspector Ailsa Quinlan said: "We are aware the lady who called us took footage of the incident and an officer has made contact with her to arrange a convenient time to view it. I know residents are concerned about antisocial behaviour in Longmead, and I understand their frustrations, however, we are committed to tackling the issue.

"I actively encourage people to report any crime and disorder immediately so action can be taken to deal with it. I would also urge people to continue to attend neighbourhood panel meetings and surgeries.

"The Epsom safer neighbourhood team is working hard to ensure the local community is safe and feels safe, and we are monitoring the situation closely."

Call 0845 125 2222 if you have any information.