A NEWPORT mother says she fears for the safety of her disabled son who is being terrorised by youths in his own home.

In one frightening incident, youths broke in wearing masks from the film Scream then stole money and tobacco from his flat.

Now housing chiefs are looking to find the 51-year-old a new home - away from his tormentors.

George Heard (pictured) is partially-sighted, deaf, does not speak and is registered blind, but is determined to live as independently as he can.

His mother, Lillian, claims youths are making this more and more difficult. Mr Heard moved into the Pill council flat five years ago so he could be nearer his mother, but problems began about six months ago with eggs being thrown at his windows and drinks cans being thrown at his door.

The attacks escalated with youths setting fire to his front door, smashing his living room windows with stones, and breaking in to steal money.

The windows were boarded up for weeks and broken again as soon as they were fixed, Mrs Heard said.

There are also stains on the hallway walls where youths have thrown eggs at Mr Heard. The last straw came on Friday, February 15 when Mr Heard became aware of people in his living room going through his drawers.

He used sign language to describe how he confronted the thieves, who were wearing the masks and hoods, and described being hit over the head three times with something hard inside a sock.

He was treated at the Royal Gwent Hospital for a cut to his head. Mrs Heard said: "I am constantly worrying and I can't sleep.

"He is a target for them now and they're going to keep picking on him. I'm getting so frustrated that nobody is doing anything for him."

A Newport council spokeswoman said: "We are very sympathetic and are working with various agencies to find alternative accommodation and provide support which will ensure Mr Heard can enjoy a good quality of life."

Mr Heard's family was today due to be told the outcome of a meeting between the agencies.

Sergeant Sharon Hutchings, of Pill police station, said investigations regarding a number of the incidents were continuing.