Residents called for action at a packed meeting of Killinghall Parish Council last night after a spate of violence and anti-social behaviour.

Police and paramedics were called to Ripon Road in the centre of the village on Saturday night after reports of a man being assaulted in his house.

A police helicopter was later heard flying overhead and crime scene officers were on the scene the following day. The meeting heard the attack left the victim badly injured in hospital.

it was the latest in a series of incidents this year, including a stabbing, in close proximity.

The upturn in violence has led to the village's Tesco Express hiring security guards and women fearing for their safety. The issue was hastily added to last night's monthly parish council meeting in response to rising levels of concern.

Several women told the meeting, which was attended by about 50 people, they were frightened to go out. One said afterwards she would have to consider moving if the situation did not improve.

One mother said her family had moved to the area three years ago and "felt safe until now"; another said "we are not safe in our own homes", adding she knew another woman who was now "petrified" to go out.

Another female said she had never known things as bad in her 15 years living in the village and there was "massive unpredictability" about what might happen next.

Parish council chair Anne Holdsworth urged residents to "log everything". She said the parish council had no power to act but could make representations to relevant parties.

Vice chair John Moretta said:

Police to step-up patrols

Regarding Saturday's incident, the force said:

Anyone with information is urged to call the police on 101 and quote crime reference 12240038557.

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