WORRIED residents are calling for more police patrols around their neighbourhood as they say a children's playground is being used by teenagers for fighting, sex and drug dealing.

People living in Churchfields, South Woodford, say the children's play area has become a hot-spot for anti-social behaviour as gangs of youths congregate after nightfall.

Pensioner Ralf Royce, 80, whose home overlooks the site, said the trouble has been going on for years.

He said: “They let off fireworks as late as three-o'clock in the morning and they're always drinking and shouting.

“For a lot of people like myself who lived through the war, our nerves are shattered when we hear loud noises.

“It would make life a lot more comfortable if the police could do a few more late night patrols around here.

“Just once a week or even once a month would be of some help.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named for fear of her family's safety, said: “I have seen kids being beaten up there which is really horrible but I was too scared to do anything in case they pulled a knife or me or something.

“I used to park near it quite late at night sometimes and I would see people dealing drugs and having sex, and other residents have found condoms there.

“During the day it's a sweet little children's playground but at night it's just gangs hanging around.

“I was even told a while ago by police that there were girl gangs there with knives.

“I want to move but in the meantime it would be good if the police could be a bit more visible.”

Redbridge Police are yet to comment on the story.