IT has been dubbed the 'Battle for Battlefield'.

Frustrated residents are at their wit's-end over relentless attacks by a gang of young thugs in the South Side community.

And they feel abandoned by what they see as a lack of police action in the area.

It has even been suggested by residents that citizens' patrols are set up to try to combat violence.

Local resident Shirley Todd said: "This is becoming relentless now, I've never known anything like it.

"You go to sleep wondering whether your car will still be intact in the morning and feel grateful to come out of the front door and see your close windows haven't been smashed in.

"The one good thing to come out of this is the obvious sense of community spirit and pride.

"We have had people offering to set up street patrols in the area and try to arrange anti-violence workshops in the local schools."

The Evening Times first told in November how six bus shelters had been smashed after wrecking spree from Battlefield through Muirend.

Since then, shops, cars, further bus shelters, close doors, phone boxes, tenement flat windows and college windows have been smashed.

The spree is believed to be the work of one gang of teenagers.

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: "My neighbours are calling it the Battle for Battlefield.

"There have been so many eye witness accounts and so many calls to the police that we just can't comprehend how this is still ongoing.

"Where are the police and what are they doing?"

On Monday night, locals reported seeing culprits smashing bus stops, walking on train tracks and damaging cars.

Their spree continued at Langside College where damage was reportedly done to windows and classrooms.

Chris Walsh shared an image of his work van that had both its windscreen and side windows smashed meaning it could not be used to transport kids on a Christmas Day out as intended.

Other damage was reported at Clockwork Beer company on Cathcart Road and a bus stop in Crossmyloof.

It comes after the shop front of the Millbrae Hill Cafe was smashed in by young thugs with golf clubs.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland: “An investigation is underway following a number of reports of vandalism to businesses and properties in Shawlands.”

Local councillor Anna Richardson had moved to reassure locals, writing on Facebook: "I’ve been speaking to the community police about the current vandalism.

"I appreciate the community wants information, but there is a limit to what [police] can say, to me as well.

"They are absolutely dealing with these cases, and taking them through the appropriate channels.

"There is increased resourcing on our streets at the moment in response, but much of this will be unmarked vehicles and plain clothes officers.

"Please keep reporting in as they can’t be everywhere at once."