Families living in an Oxford street say "vigilante" vandalism has disfigured their area and left them feeling vulnerable.

A house in Radford Close, Rose Hill, was ransacked and defaced on three nights last week. Interior walls were smashed and the contents of the house, including a washing machine and a bath, dumped in the front garden.

The family living in the house, including four children aged between four and nine, had already been forced out of their home

Residents in Radford Close survey damage

Oxford City Council boarded up the property after the initial attack, but the vandals returned and broke through to wreak more havoc on two more nights. The council has now fenced off the property.

Residents said they saw three men arrive in a BMW on one occasion and vandalise the house.

Paul King, 24, who lives opposite the property, said he didn't feel safe leaving his home because of the attack.

He said: "We don't want to leave our houses unattended now. You don't want to see that mess outside your front window, it's a constant reminder."

In June, residents of Spencer Crescent and Dartwood Close, in Rose Hill, staged a protest against drug dealers on the troubled estate.

Unsubstantiated smears have been made against the family, but police said there were no charges against any member of the household.

Cllr David Penwarden, who represents Iffley ward, said: "Rose Hill, as it has demonstrated several times recently, is strongly against drug dealers operating on the estate.

"In a way it is healthy the community has taken the initiative, but it is a messy business."

He also urged the police to take action against drug dealers on the estate.

Cllr Carole Ann Roberts, who also represents Iffley, rejected that view, said: "I don't agree with vigilantes but I understand why they do it."

A spokesman for the police said: "We don't support vigilante action under any circumstances.

"Local beat officers are investigating reports that youths may have been responsible for the problems in Radford Close."