PEOPLE living in an area of Newport are calling for a crackdown on teenage gangs after a pub landlord was beaten up by youths.

Wyn Stark, 58, was set upon by a gang of about 12 youths as he tried to stop them vandalising a customer's car.

Mr Stark, landlord at the Black Horse Inn, Somerton Road, Liswerry, was left with a badly bruised face and ribs when the gang kicked him on the ground on Friday night. Yesterday, he joined councillors in calling for more police to crack down on gangs terrifying local people, adding: "More police might make that difference."

Newport mayor Councillor Ray Truman, whose Alway ward includes Somerton, was horrified by the attack.

He said: "Most of our complaints are about antisocial behaviour. It's the top issue. "I'd welcome more bobbies on the beat and more powers for community safety officers to deal with youth gangs."

Councillor Joan Jepps, of the Liswerry ward, said: "This is the first time I've heard of anyone being beaten up by these gangs. The problems they cause are dreadful and it's getting serious. If I didn't have a car I don't think I would go out. We need more police." And Liswerry councillor, Ken Critchley, said: "We are suffering badly. Police are understaffed and their resources are stretched."

This area of east Newport has been plagued by youth gangs. Restrictive anti-social behaviour orders were imposed on some Somerton youngsters and gangs have intimidated residents of Corporation Road.

Landlady Liz Peel, of The Victoria Inn, Nash Road, says extra police are the only way to combat summer havoc caused by the gangs.

She said: "It worried me last summer when youngsters were taking drugs. The old bobby on the beat is what we need around here."

Inspector Simon Jeffries, a duty nspector for Newport, said: "Staffing is an issue which is continually being reviewed. It's down to local commanders to deploy resources in the best way they can. Hotspots for antisocial behaviour are regularly monitored."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault on Mr Stark, which occurred on Friday at 9.30pm. Contact 01633 244 999.