Residents left unable to sleep at night in UK cul-de-sac where crimes go unsolved

A quiet UK cul-de-sac has been beaten down by a string of burglaries.

Last night, as many in the country nestled in their bed and drifted into a sound sleep, the residents were left wide awake, eyes watching their CCTV cameras, in fear of what crime could happen next.

Over the past year and a half, residents and neighbours of this once quiet collection of homes have been plagued by crime, from assaults on pensioners to car theft and masked burglaries as they explained to BBC News.

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One resident of Doncaster's Oak Grove, Sharon Hornsby, was left traumatised when balaclava-wearing men broke into her home two years ago.

Hiding away from the burglars, Sharon reached for her phone and dialled 999, but it was too late, the criminals were inside and had made their way up to her bedroom.

It was terrifying, as the 61-year-old with cancer told the BBC: "I was on the phone while they were robbing me. He put this hand around my neck, and the first thing I thought was, my God he's going to strangle me. He took my chains from around my neck, my rings off me, and the next minute the baseball bat knocked me unconscious."

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Despite an investigation into the case, no suspect was identified in the case and there have been no arrests made.

Sharon isn't alone, though, within the last year and a half, there have been 10 burglaries in the area, in what some are calling a crime 'crisis'.

Another resident Sylvester Watson fell victim to an attempted break-in and lays awake at night 'prepared and waiting' for it to happen again.

"It's no way to live," Sylvester added, with a former police officer and fellow resident Bob McGuiness urging: "People daren't go out at night. You've got to keep your eye on anybody that walks down the street."

Detective Superintendent Jamie Henderson from South Yorkshire Police said: "We understand the trauma felt by victims of burglary, especially in your own home.

"We know it can be invasive and distressing, which is why South Yorkshire Police ensures all residential burglaries are attended by an officer and a crime scene investigator so all lines of enquiry can be carried out."

While the horrific incidents are something the police say they are taking seriously, many residents are left 'terrified' with sleepless nights as the crimes continue.

Sharon even stays awake until 'daylight' just for peace of mind.