ALARMED residents are calling for action after thugs set fire to a man's back yard.

Friends of the homeowner said the man has been "terrorised for weeks" at his property in Knight Street, Elton.

Police said they have received a number of reports of antisocial behaviour and damage to property over the past few weeks.

Officers who are investigating a fire on Wednesday last week, have put the incident down as an arson attack.

Friend of the victim Amanda Campbell said: "I was shaking when I received the phone call. They burnt his shed down completely, the conifer, the back door.

"My friend was previously shot at through the window with an air gun.

"He has also had his window and outside lights smashed.

"I am sick of it. It is awful. I want him to be moved to somewhere that is safe."

It comes after the 25-foot conifer tree in the man's back yard was set alight last Wednesday.

The fire also destroyed a garden shed and all its contents as well as two telephone lines.

Bury Council had previously installed cameras at the front of the property but Mrs Campbell has called for more CCTV to be added at the rear to increase safety.

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: "There is a group of kids targeting this man. Before this his windows were put through. They are terrorising the place.

"It is a huge concern around this area at the moment. People are getting very angry."

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the arson attack is being investigated by the neighbourhood policing team.

A police spokeswoman said: “We are aware that residents in the area have reported a number of issues in the last few weeks including damage and antisocial behaviour.

“We are working with residents and housing providers to support those affected and to identify and take action against those responsible.”

Six Town Housing, who own the property, said they would support the tenant.

A spokesman for Six Town Housing said: “We are aware of a fire at a property in Knight Street. We will support the tenant and assist Greater Manchester Police and the fire service with any enquiries they have.”