Police shut down homes 'terrorising' estate as neighbours left living in fear

Closure orders have been slapped on houses 'terrorising' an estate after residents have been left living in fear in the places they call home, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has said.

The force says it identified 'several properties' on Rochdale's Freehold estate after speaking to residents. The houses have been linked to 'anti-social behaviour and criminal activity'.

Today, July 5, officers say two houses were slapped with closure orders set to last for three months. It comes as residents have been 'unable to sleep at night and scared to carry out every day activities', police say.

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Inspector Meena Yasin from GMP Rochdale said: “We have spoken to residents who have been unable to sleep at night, who are scared to carry out everyday activities within their own homes as a result of anti-social behaviour and the criminal activity of a small number of individuals exploiting the neighbourhood.

"Securing these closure orders is a really important step in creating positive change in the area, and we have been working closely with local residents and Rochdale Borough Housing to proactively tackle issues linked to these properties.

“We will always take action and work with our partner agencies to ensure those who engage in anti-social or nuisance behaviour are dealt with robustly and I would like to thank everyone who has opened their door and welcomed us into their houses, taken the time to speak to us, and contributed to our intelligence picture which has led to these results.

“There is palpable community spirit in this area, created by residents who have lived here for decades. We are working with them to rid the area of