RESIDENTS in a Glasgow housing scheme claim they're virtually "prisoners in their homes" - because kids are waging war in the streets.

Over the last few months, gangs of boys as young as 12 congregate daily after school in Arden, hurling bricks at the 57 bus to Darnley, fighting and threatening passers-by.

In the last month alone, three serious separate incidents on Kyleakin Road in the estate have been reported to police.

The young thugs - up to a dozen of them at a time - have smashed bus windows and, in one case, two girls were injured.

One 12-year-old has been referred to the Children's Panel in connection with one of the incidents but no other arrests have taken place.

The trouble is understood to be sparked by gang rivalry and police today stressed they are now doing everything in their power to combat the problem.

They have increased their presence in the area with daily patrols.

Today residents welcomed the police action - but fear it's too little, too late.

One resident, 68, who did not wish to be named for fear of being attacked, said: "It's like a warzone out there. Between 4pm and 5pm you daren't go out of your house.

"The police have been around for the last few days and finally things appear to be improving but they can't stick around forever, and once they leave, the kids will be at it again, or just go somewhere the police are not."

It is widely known gangs in Arden have had historic problems with Priesthill and Darnley and although it had been quiet for a while, the problems started again in summer.

Another terrified resident in his mid-50s said: "These kids simply haven't had anything to do for years; in some ways I sympathise with them.

"There are 260 kids signed up to our youth centre, but it's only a portakabin and that means they're limited to use it once a week on a rotation.

"People are afraid to stand up to them - what are their parents doing?"

A third resident added: "This rivalry goes back to when I was a kid, so it's been going on for years.

"Last week they threw a brick through the top left hand window and a guy got out of the bus, and started chasing them down the road with his dog."

And yet another, aged 50, added: "It's been going on for a good while now, and they just come all the time after school, smash up the buses, and they even fight in the fields nearby.

"What's more worrying now is they've even started attacking people outside the shops when they won't buy them a bottle of Buckfast.

"People are scared to leave their house - you're a prisoner in your own home."

Greater Pollok Councillor Alex Glass stressed action was now being done to tackle the situation which he admits has been a recurring problem.

He said: "We don’t condone these acts and the police are taking action.

"While we need to be firm though, we must also recognise the need to engage with young people and tackle these problems."

He agreed Arden residents felt isolated and said police leaflets were being distributed in an attempt to engage the community, while the increased police presence would remain for the time being.

The council is now working with Glen Oaks Housing Association which is involved in the regeneration of Arden, as well as the police, Glasgow Community Safety Services and Culture and Sport Glasgow.

First Glasgow have also acknowledged the problem and have said they are working with police and schools in the area.

It is expected the Chill-Out will be moved to a bigger venue, while a number of diversionary tactics, such as a portable football pitch are being brought to the area by GCSS to help encourage positive behaviour.

There are also talks to establish a campus police officer in Hillpark School, where a number of the boys attend.

TV Duo Colin and Justin made Arden famous by attempting to renovate a number of houses in the area for a Channel 5 TV show.

They received criticism however for their bleak portrayal of the estate.

A spokeswoman for First in Glasgow confirmed they were aware of the vandalism at Arden.

She said: "The local situation is one of which we are aware and the First Security team has been working with both the Police and schools in the local area to address the problem.

"First in Glasgow take all incidents of vandalism to our buses extremely seriously and stone throwing in particular is very dangerous.

"Vandalism which can put people at risk of injury cannot be tolerated and is something we are working hard to eradicate."

Strathclyde Police said: "There have been numerous complaints over the last month, including the last one on Kyleakin Road on March 17 where a bus window was smashed, which resulted in two girls receiving injuries.

"As a result of the incidents, there will be an increased police presence in the area after school and into the evening for the foreseeable future and we will be working with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.

"We are taking these incidents very very seriously."