A "WARZONE" estate feared to be the most dangerous in Britain is so terrifying a former soldier felt "safer in Afghanistan".

       The resident - who asked not to be named - said he is "too scared to walk to the local shop at night" for fear of being attacked by "intimidating" gangs of youths carrying knives in Blackley, Manchester.

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       A "warzone" estate in Manchester feared to be the most dangerous in Britain is so terrifying a former soldier felt "safer in Afghanistan" Credit: MEN Media 5

       A group of local mums launched the 'Protect Our Children' campaign for a safer estate Credit: MEN Media 5

       Meanwhile, a mum-of-one had bricks through her front window by the gangs - and an 18-year-old is too scared to go outside after she was pelted with eggs.

       A local shopkeeper has been left terrified to go to work after a gang of vicious youths - who steal from his shop "at least two to three times a week" - chucked a can at his head.

       The container narrowly missed his face and left a huge dent in the metal cigarette shelf behind the counter.

       One shocking incident saw a group of kids walking home from school mugged by teenage thugs armed with a handgun and a machete.

       A 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital after being pistol whipped - prompting a group of local mums to launch the 'Protect Our Children' campaign for a safer estate.

       Other terrifying incidents saw Bonfire Night yobs launch rockets at firefighters while they attended a blaze on the estate.

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       In October, a family were woken up by a "huge bang" after a BMW smashed into their garden wall in a police chase.

       And just this month, Balaclava-clad thugs were caught by cops with knives at a petrol station.

       Another local - a former soldier who lived on the estate all his life - said the area has "totally changed" since he was a kid.

       He told Manchester Evening News: "The place is just overrun by teenagers who threaten and intimidate people.

       "These days kids have weapons and carry knives around with them. When there are groups of them together, it is really intimidating.

       "In evenings, I am too scared to even walk to the shop around the corner from my house and will drive there instead. You are constantly looking over your shoulder."

       Just this month, cops charged six teens aged just 15 and 16 over robberies involving nearby schoolkids.

       And two bus services had their windows smashed by thugs on the estate just last week, forcing them to divert their routes.

       In 2019, more than 11,000 crimes were committed in the Blackley and Broughton area.

       A mum-of-one - who also asked not to be named - said kids on the estate have gotten "worse and worse".

       She added: "Gangs of them just intimidate people living here, sadly you learn to live with it after a while. It has become overrun.

       "I have a 13-year-old daughter and I am petrified when she leaves the house about who she could come across or who she hangs around with."

       Another mum said her 18-year-old daughter was pelted with eggs and is now "too scared to leave" home.

       NIGHTMARE ESTATE

       And a 22-year-old woman was forced to order the taxi to the local shops to buy a packet of cigarettes at night because she didn't feel safe walking alone.

       Residents fear behaviour got worse when a local police station was shut down - but cops insist patrols are being stepped up now residents are raising more concerns.

       Greater Manchester Police Chief Inspector Simon Nasim said: "The local Neighbourhood Policing Team is aware of reports of anti-social behaviour in the Higher Blackley area within the last few weeks.

       "These reports range from loitering in communal areas within sheltered housing and housing blocks, criminal damage and other associated general anti-social behaviour.

       "We understand the impact anti-social behaviour has on the lives of local residents and I want to reassure you that the Neighbourhood Policing Team is committed to tackling the issues and will take action against any perpetrators identified."

       He said patrols are being increased, and cops have launched a youth intervention project to get through to kids carrying knives or other weapons.

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       A 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital after being pistol whipped on the estate, his injuries are pictured Credit: MEN Media 5

       The resident said he is "too scared to walk to the local shop at night" Credit: MEN Media