A PLAGUE of young yobs roaming Chigwell's Limes Farm estate, seemingly unchecked by police, has sparked fears of vigilante action.

More than 100 residents turned out for crunch talks with Essex Police and Epping Forest Council after weeks of "out-of-control" car crime, vandalism and intimidation blamed on young people coming into the area from Redbridge.

The residents are now disillusioned with the authorities.

Ann Hosie, who organised a petition demanding police and councillors find a solution, said: "Everyone's had enough. It's getting out of hand. It's getting frightening. We need action now."

Already one man is facing court proceedings after allegedly hitting a youngster hurling abuse, and a resident said: "There are a lot of people who are very angry. They want to get back control and if the police don't do something fast, I'm scared they will take justice into their own hands."

Police say the problem has been created by a Metropolitan Police dispersal order on the Redbridge border which is displacing youths from there into Limes Farm where its anti-social behaviour orders are not enforceable.

Loughton police inspector Denise Morrisey said: "I've been at Loughton police station three weeks. Give me time to sort this out.

"We're aware who these youths are. We know where they live and we're working with the Metropolitan Police to see if we can extend the ASBOs into this area. Whatever we can do we will do."

Epping Forest Council leader John Knapman, who described the estate as like a war zone, pledged to arrange an emergency meeting with high-ranking Essex and Metropolitan Police officers to discuss the problem.

The joint police and district council Crime and Disorder Partnership is working on a scheme for better street lighting and a more widespread CCTV camera system.

Chigwell beat officer PC Phil Williams told last Thursday's meeting: "I understand the frustration, but we will not tolerate vigilantes. We've come here today to speak to people and let them know this is our top priority.

"So if anyone is stupid enough to try anything themselves, I won't have any hesitation in nicking them. Trying to take the law into your own hands will only make things worse."