A GAY mother-of-three was targeted by a gang of up to 20 youths who attacked her and a friend with rock-filled snowballs.

Tiffany Squires, 33, said it is the latest in a growing list of incidents in which she has been attacked for her sexuality.

The attack came after last week's snowfall. Her friend was left bleeding from a cut lip, bruised and in shock.

Although they rang for help police vehicles were immobilised by the snow and police were unable to attend until later in the day.

Ms Squires, who lives with her partner and three children, says the incident on Thursday was the most recent in a barrage of abuse and threats.

"It was horrid," she said.

Ms Squires was in her back garden when the youths, aged between 14 and 17, started throwing rock-filled snowballs at the front of the house. Worried a window would break, her friend went and asked the children to stop.

"They just kept throwing them at her and she couldn't get away," said Ms Squires.

"Afterwards she was shaking and bruised and her lip was gushing with blood."

In the last nine months Ms Squires says windows have been smashed in her home in Trevethin five times.

Her front door has been kicked through and £2,000 of damage was caused to her car. Her children Sian, 13, Jarrith, 11, and Connor, seven, also face abuse.

She has made numerous complaints to the police.

"It's not getting any better at all. Other people are being a bit more understanding but the few who do it are even worse."

Ms Squires said since the schools broke up for the Christmas holiday the problems had worsened.

She said: "At least twice a week something is happening to our car, but we can't prove who is doing it."

Sergeant Robert Ball, from Pontypool police, confirmed all available police cars were grounded by the severe weather conditions when police were contacted.

Officers had to wait for a four-wheel-drive vehicle to become available a few hours later before they could travel on the snow-covered roads and safely reach Ms Squires.

Sergeant Ball said: "An officer spoke to Ms Squires and she was happy the response would come as and when he could. Obviously, if it had been an immediate response incident, officers would have attended on foot."

He said the decision to wait for a suitable vehicle to become available after a senior management directive.

Police are investigating the incident.

Anybody with any information should call Pontypool Police on 01633 838111.