A family with two small children were forced to cower in terror as two masked thugs attempted to smash down their front door in the latest in a string of targeted attacks on their home. They are now living in terror after being targeted by criminals as shocking video footage captured two thugs latest assault.

The family have complained to police about drug dealing in their block of flats – and believe gangs are targeting them because they “grassed on them”. The terrifying video, captured on a Ring Doorbell, was captured by the horrified family as the two men, clad all in black with their faces covered, repeatedly punched and kicked their front door. The father of the family-of-four, whose identity we are protecting, told how he and his family have been facing trouble at their home since 2018, when he first reported some of these issues.

He said: “There are people who do drugs, and one of my neighbours uses drugs. They come into the building; they make lots of noise.

“I complained to police about it, and they came out; they stopped them for a few months - then they came back again. People are doing drugs in the building; they are sleeping under the stairs. I told the police and the landlord. Because I reported it, they targeted me."

The family, who are not originally from the UK but have been in this country and in Liverpool since 2009, includes two young children aged just four and six years old. They are all now living in a permanent state of fear.

As well as the terrifying incidents of bricks being thrown through the window and the masked thugs attacking their door, the family have had racist death threats posted under their door.

The dad added: “I do not feel safe for my kids. If it was just me then, ok, but I am scared for my children. They are scared; they come and sleep with us because they don't want to be alone.”

The family's flat is operated by social housing provider Onward Homes. They say they have repeatedly asked to be moved to somewhere else in the local area where they will feel safe.

Onward did recently offer an alternative accommodation to the family, but this was in the Walton area, and they are keen to stay close to Toxteth because of friendships they have made.

A spokesperson for Onward Homes said: “Onward takes any reports of antisocial behaviour extremely seriously and works with local partners to tackle this when it occurs within our communities.

“We understand this is a distressing situation for our customer and his family. Our Safer Neighbourhoods Team will continue to do everything within its power to support them, including signposting alternative housing options.

“We would strongly encourage anyone witnessing criminal activity such as drug misuse, vandalism, or threatening communications to contact the police.”

Merseyside Police confirmed the two recent incidents and says it is investigating. They are treating them as targeted attacks on the family.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that an investigation is ongoing following an incident in Toxteth on Sunday, April 13. At around 9.30pm, a report was received of an attempted burglary at a flat on Princes Road through a communal entrance. Damage was caused but no entry gained. CCTV, forensic, and other enquiries are ongoing.

“Last Wednesday, April 23, a further incident of criminal damage was reported at this location, in which a rock was thrown through a window, causing damage. High-visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area, and house-to-house and CCTV enquiries completed, with a negative result.”