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Sophie Doughty

Yob caught on CCTV targeting Fenham family home for third time in 'mistaken identity'

His every move caught on camera, this brazen daylight vandal targets an innocent family's home.

The Chronicle told on Tuesday how Haroon Ayoub and his family had been left living in fear after a stranger set their front door on fire and smashed a window as they slept. Then on Wednesday night the bike-riding menace struck again, at their house in Fenham, Newcastle.

The Ayoub's home CCTV captured him calmly cycling up to the front gate, at their Wingrove Road property. The yob, whose face was partially covered then parks his bike before creeping up to the front window and smashing it.

Read more: Manhunt for attacker who threw 'substance' in faces of three teens on Tynemouth beach

He then runs back to his bike to quickly make his getaway. Haroon said the incident happened at around 8.45pm while it was still light and Wingrove Road was still busy with traffic.

And he told the Chronicle that the repeated attacks had left his whole family terrified. The 49-year-old said: "He came in and smashed the window in daylight. My daughter, who is 12, is totally worried and frightened."

Haroon, his wife Shahnaz and their five children live at the house. It was first targeted in January when the front door was set alight late at night.

Haroon Ayoub (Newcastle Chronicle)

This attack was also caught on CCTV and footage shows the arsonist arrive at the property on his bike carrying a blue carrier bag. He is then seen to be opening what appears to be a bottle an approaching the front of the house.

The CCTV then shows a bright flash as the door is engulfed in flames, forcing the firestarter himself to flee to safety. The second incident happened this weekend when a window was also smashed.

Haroon believes the culprit has mistaken their home for someone else's and his family are being targeted in a case of mistaken identity.

Haroon Ayoub with his wife Shahnaz and children Akees, Amani and Aiyla at their home (Newcastle Chronicle)

He said: "I'm under so much stress, my family is at risk. I just feel unsafe in my own home now. It's all because someone else has upset someone."

Northumbria Police is investigating the incidents.

A spokesman said: “We are investigating a report of criminal damage at an address on Wingrove Road, Newcastle. This took place shortly before 9pm yesterday and saw windows smashed at the property.

“This follows on from incidents at the same address which include a suspected arson incident on January 10 and a report of criminal damage which also saw a window smashed on Sunday.

“Thankfully, no-one was injured in any of the incidents. Enquires are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police."

Anyone with information should call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log NP-20230618-0357.

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