A family of five in Wortley, Leeds, has abandoned their home after enduring a series of alleged threats and harassment from neighbors, culminating in two fire incidents that have left them fearing for their safety. Jamie Stephenson, 28, his ex-partner Rebecah Credland, 25, and their three young children have been staying with relatives since fleeing their residence.
The incidents began approximately eight months after the family moved into the two-bedroom terraced house in 2023. According to Ms. Credland, an initial noise complaint escalated into what she described as a "massive hate campaign" after the family also lodged complaints about noise.
Allegations include their Wi-Fi wire being cut, rubbish being dumped in their garden, and WD40 being sprayed on Mr. Stephenson's car. The family reported these incidents to West Yorkshire Police, stating they were informed the force lacked the funds to investigate.
Matters reportedly escalated further when the neighbors allegedly subjected Ms. Credland to verbal abuse after their two-year-old son drew chalk marks on a fence. The family claims that when police were called regarding this incident, they were told it was a civil matter.
Shortly after this dispute, the family's Audi A3 was destroyed in a suspected arson attack. Police believe petrol was poured into the car through a smashed window. The family reported that it took officers 36 hours to take a statement following the incident. No suspect was identified, and no arrests were made in relation to the car fire.
This week, a second fire occurred at the side of the house, near a bedroom occupied by their five-month-old daughter. Police stated this fire is believed to be unconnected to the car blaze and was likely started by youths involved in similar incidents in the neighborhood.
Despite these events, the family states their housing association, Wortley Housing, initially deemed it safe for them to return. The family, however, stated they do not feel safe and have been unable to secure a transfer to alternative accommodation, leading them to split their time between overcrowded family homes. A GoFundMe appeal has been started by Mr. Stephenson's mother to raise funds for the family.
Leeds City Council stated that housing officers are in communication with Ms. Credland and are working on a revised assessment for alternative accommodation. West Yorkshire Police expressed regret over the impact of the events on the family and confirmed investigations into the reported incidents, noting that a thorough review of the arson incident could not identify a suspect.