Vandals target home of cancer-stricken war veteran

Roger and Jackie Featherstone outside their home. Mr Allman was too unwell to take part in the photograph.

Peter Allman, 71, and his wife Lorreta, 58, moved from Sutton on Sea to their new home in Eastgate just three weeks ago.

The couple wanted to be close to Louth County Hospital to help Mr Allman continue his brave battle against advanced leukaemia.

But within 48 hours, their new home was targeted by youths virtually every evening.

Their next door neighbours, Roger Featherstone, 69, and his wife Jackie, 50, have also suffered similar torment in recent weeks.

That includes hot chocolate being thrown at their door, persistent banging on doors and windows, failed attempts to enter their house and verbal abuse.

It is claimed that one evening last week, a youth shouted: “It’s just an old man in there” to his friends, while three of them banged against Mr Allman’s window.

Mr Allman fought for his country as a paratrooper in the Middle East in the 1960s, securing promotion and a prestigious medal.

His wife believes that if the youths knew about his service record- and his health problems - they would show more respect.

She said: “To actually target Peter, when he can’t move from his chair, is just vindictive and bullying.

“It’s disgusting behaviour and if it doesn’t stop they’ll grow up to be disgusting human beings. It’s just not on.”

Meanwhile, with Mr Allman - and Mr and Mrs Featherstone all suffering from health problems, there are concerns that the yobs’ antics could  have devastating consequences.

Mrs Allman added: “They’re doing it for a laugh, but this is life and death - it’s as simple as that.

“We’ve got our side of the story and for us, it’s not a laugh at all.

“It’s just stupid, unpredictable and irresponsible because they don’t know the outcome of their actions.

“They don’t know what’s on the other side of these doors and windows and they don’t know the situations going on inside.”

Mrs Featherstone said: “They’re ruining our quality of life and our health.

“They’re not thinking about the consequences of their actions.”

Lincolnshire Police say they are aware of recent incidents and are monitoring the situation through increased patrols.

Police confirmed one of the town’s PCSOs had also spoken to teenagers on the topic of respect and anti-social behaviour.