Eastleigh police are to step up patrols on the town's Boyatt Wood estate after receiving reports of renewed bouts of antisocial behaviour by rowdy youths.

The estate has already been labelled a "hot spot" for youth trouble with a catalogue of problems stretching back to the end of last year.

Only last month Eastleigh planners threw out proposals for a new food takeaway after police said it could increase yob problems on the estate.

Bosses at Video Plus wanted to convert part of their film hire business into a fast food outlet, but the scheme for the Arrow Close shop was rejected after councillors heard that old people living in nearby sheltered accommodation were already frightened to leave their homes after dark.

Police say the latest outbreak on the estate involves gangs of youths gathering outside homes for prolonged periods and causing residents "severe distress and intimidation" by swearing and throwing objects at the windows before running off.

Now police are appealing to all residents to help them by providing any information that may enable officers to identify the culprits.

A spokesman said: "Names of those involved, along with descriptions of clothing, will go a long way in helping us to gather the evidence we require that could lead to the arrests of the offenders and the restoration of peace to the neighbourhood."

Officers are also appealing to parents of teenage children to accept more responsibility for their behaviour by being more aware of where their offspring are going and what they are doing.

Eastleigh's Acting Chief Insp Karen Scipio said: "We will not accept use of threatening or intimidating behaviour towards others. Everyone has a right to expect and enjoy a certain quality of life and we will do all that we can to ensure this."

She added: "Over the coming weeks we will be increasing patrols in Boyatt Wood and other residential areas. This will include the use of the CCTV community beat vehicle, which will assist us in gathering evidence."

Police will also be visiting off-licences, convenience stores and fast food establishments to enforce legislation banning the sale of alcohol to under-age drinkers, while anyone under-age found in possession of alcohol will have it seized.

Anyone with information should call Eastleigh police on 0845 045 4545.