SCORES of police officers descended on Victoria Park to tackle up to 80 yobs who ran riot in Victoria Park.

Residents living behind the park claim they saw the biggest police presence they have seen in years with officers rushing down to the Birchfield Road entrance after yobs went berserk after a drinking session in the controversial skate park.

One householder, who says he has had to endure 'five years of hell' as a result of anti-social behaviour in the park and directly behind his home, says the hooligans are putting people off visiting the award winning attraction.

He said: 'The problem with yobs is off-putting for people who want to use the park, as well as the residents who live by it.

'Last Tuesday there was a riot going on, the youths all drunk and going crazy.

'They were ripping at fences, smashing bottles, urinating, hurling abuse and some were even using the bushes as a den to smoke drugs and down alcohol.

The newly-built tennis court fence has been pulled down within days, trees were hacked down, bins smashed to pieces and CCTV cameras destroyed.

Residents say police dog handlers were called to the scene last Tuesday as trouble spiralled out of control.

Another witness said: 'These yobs are ruining it for everyone.'