Neighbours in a well-kept cul-de-sac are at odds with each other over allegations of antisocial behaviour by groups of youths.

Some say they are being driven to distraction by youths who abuse and harass them.

But other residents have rallied to defend the reputation of Warrior Close in Portslade, saying the so-called "problems" are harmless antics by teenagers acting their age.

Neighbours protested after The Argus reported how Janet Clarke felt she was forced to flee her home after youths stalked her 12-year-old daughter and threatened to stab her.

Mrs Clarke, 33, said she could no longer live in the close after a thugs threw a knife at her daughter and, days later, made stabbing gestures at her in the street.

She said her daughter had become an emotional wreck after intimidation from teenage boys she said ruled the area by threat of force.

Others in the cul-de-sac have told The Argus they too have suffered intimidation and abuse by youths who hang about in the street.

One 41-year-old mum, who did not want to be named, said she has had stones thrown at her window, been sworn at regularly, had four cars damaged and was kept awake into the early hours with noise.

However, many of the residents were infuriated by the allegations and wrote to The Argus to defend the close. Mother-of-two Denise Hunter, 39, said: "I've lived here for nine years and I've never witnessed any violence. I like living here because it's a nice community and we look out for each other.

"If I ever heard anything happening outside I would be out there like a shot."

Lisa Wainwright, 36 said: "I have lived here for eight years and neither myself nor my two children have experienced any real problems, except for minor fall outs with their peers.

Joe Chambers, housing director for William Sutton Housing Association which manages houses on the estate, said: "It's important to keep these things in context and weigh the facts carefully.

"Reported incidents have included playing football, stone throwing and some late-night noise. Mrs Clarke's case is by far the most serious and we are treating it as such."

A Sussex police spokeswoman said Warrior Close was not a no-go area and said: "We'll listen to the residents' concerns and we're working with the local authority to tackle these issues."