A FAMILY subjected to a terrifying campaign of harassment have accused police of failing to act.

The Shresthas, of Friars Close in Chingford, have been targeted by a hooded thug who has smashed windows at their home with stones in the middle of the night four times since April.

The couple, who have a two-year-old son, say they are now living in fear and worried about their baby’s safety.

When they dialled 999 during an attack by the man on Thursday June 2 they said they were told police were too busy to attend.

The family said they feel let down by what they perceive to be an unwillingness to investigate and protect them.

Sanyukta Shrestha, 31, said he and his wife could no longer sleep at night.

He said: “It's very scary and we're very depressed.

“We moved here from Highams Park because we thought it would be a nice quiet place to raise our son, but we've had to move him out of his bedroom in case a rock comes through the window.”

The family, who moved to the area a year ago, said they have no idea why they are being targeted.

“It might be a case of mistaken identity or maybe it is a racial thing, we don't know but we just want it to end,” said Mr Shrestha, who works as a computer games developer.

Their tormentor always strikes between the hours of 1am and 3.30am and, on the most recent occasion, was seen by Mr Shrestha driving up to their home in a silver car with the number plate covered.

Mr Shrestha said: “As soon as we saw him we started shouting for help. When he saw us he threw all his stones at us and then ran off.

“He was a tall man wearing a hood, but we did see there was someone else in the car.

“I've been a law abiding person all my life but after this I've lost confidence in the system. The police don't seem to be doing anything.

“We are alone, just me, my wife and our baby with no help.”

The family said they were told by police that they were unable to carry out regular patrols in Chingford because resources were stretched.

Waltham Forest Police insisted they were taking the case seriously.

A spokeswoman said that after the 999 call on June 2 officers did arrive at the scene 13 minutes later, but said there "may have been heavy demand" at the time preventing an immediate response.

Sergeant Ismail Madari from Larkswood Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "We are treating this very seriously.

"All the crime reports have being looked at and investigated, SOCO [Scene of Crime Officers] were sent to the scene to try and get forensic evidence.

"I spoke to the victim by phone yesterday [Thursday], to reassure him that we have not forgotten about him, and the victim has a single point of contact with my team.

"We will also be working with the neighbourhood crime and justice co-ordinator, and the family, where we will be reviewing the evidence and looking at what further support we can offer to the family.”

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