ALMOST 7,000 people have now joined a campaign set up by concerned parents following an alleged sex attack in Croespenmaen.

A group of mothers from in and around Oakdale set up an online campaign last week to highlight their concerns following an alleged sex attack on a man in Pen-y-Bryn Close on August 13.

Four men have now been charged in connection with the incident Liam Price, 21, Niall Price, 19, and Owain Turner, 21, all of no fixed abode, appeared in court last week charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and sexual assault.

Thomas Davies, 22, also of no fixed abode, has been charged with sexual assault.

Four other people are in bail in connection with the incident.

The mothers’ group said many parents in the area had reacted with “absolute horror” to the allegations.

Many were said to be worried about letting their children out to play in the street and called for more visible police patrols.

Rebecca Dash, who is co-ordinating the campaign, said more than 6,900 people have now expressed support for their online cause.

After a strong response from the local community, she hopes that number can reach 10,000.

Ms Dash also said she welcomed moves announced by one of Gwent’s top policemen in connection with the case.

Police commander for Caerphilly Supt Jon Burley told more than 100 residents at a PACT meeting in Crumlin last Wednesday that officers were planning to review all calls to the force for the past three months from Pen-y-Bryn Close to check the nature of the calls and the police response to see if it met expectations.

Supt Burley also said up to 60 officers are working on the case, including 30 detective constables, and that he understood the level of concern around the incident.

Ms Dash said: “That’s a step in the right direction.

“It’s a shame it has taken something like this for it to happen, but it’s a good start.

“I do feel like they’re taking what we’re saying seriously.

“They’re obviously showing that they’re listening and we do feel reassured by that.”