Residents in a block of flats on an Oxford estate face a dangerous journey in and out of the building after vandals smashed hallway lights.

Tenant Paul Howard examines of the broken lights

People living in Brome Place, Barton, claim the four-storey building is a "death trap" at night because they cannot navigate the concrete staircases without lights, which were destroyed by vandals on November 16.

They are angry because, although the damage has been reported to Oxford City Council, which owns the building, new lights have still not been installed. Tenant Paul Howard said: "Some of the lights were smashed the day before, but they were replaced. Then on Saturday night the lights were smashed and the whole lot went down.

"You can't see anything without a torch and a lot of the old people living here are too scared to leave their flats after dark. It could be lethal falling down the steps. If anyone fell down the stairs it would be the end of the story for them."

The vandalism is the latest in a catalogue of problems caused by gangs at Brome Place.

In the past, residents have complained of arson, drug use and damage caused by teenagers playing football in the corridors.

Now they are urging the council to fit CCTV and extra security to prevent vandals getting into the building.

Mr Howard, 62, said: "We're fed up with it. It's like a ghetto, not a block of flats.

"We are at the end of our tether. The kids come in and damage everything -- why should we have to put up with it?"

A city council spokesman said workmen had responded to tenants' calls and had been to the flats three times.

He said: "The council is very concerned about vandalism at Brome Place.

"Our crime and nuisance action team is working with residents and police.

"We need information to identify the vandals."

It was believed that youths had obtained a key to the front door to the block.

The council had installed a new entry system and residents would be be given new keys.