A GANG of 'carol singers' threw a stone through a pensioner's window after being refused cash for their rendition of Jingle Bells.

The teenagers were told to clear off by Don Mitcham's daughter, Sharon, on Friday night.

But the gang smashed the front window at Aster Close, Ty Sign, Risca, and ran off.

Furious Sharon jumped in her car and chased the three culprits down the road. The boys escaped through a hedge and Sharon lost them.

The incident happened at around 5pm.

Mr Mitcham, his wife Peggy, both 73, Sharon and her two children Georgia Louise, seven, and nine-year-old Christian, were chatting happily in front of the television.

Mr Mitcham told the Argus: "This is normally a quiet street. We were sitting here with the grandchildren and then there's this knock on the door.

"We could tell they weren't proper carol singers and Sharon said, 'Not tonight, thank you', and closed the door."

Suddenly a stone shattered the window pane and landed in the lounge. "They must've thrown it quite hard because this is double glazing. It's got lead in it and is reinforced," Mr Mitcham said. "It was very upsetting for my wife and the children."

His daughter Sharon did not hesitate to go after the boys.

Mr Mitcham said: "I think she's a bit crazy but Sharon isn't afraid of anyone."

Sergeant Simon Clarke, of Risca police, said he believed it was an isolated incident.

He said: "I can confirm that criminal damage was caused to the window of a house in Aster Close and we are looking for persons in connection with the offence.

"I would appeal for witnesses to come forward and assist us in trying to find out who those people are.

"It seems to be an isolated incident which got out of hand."

Anyone with information should contact Risca police on 01633 838111.