OUT-of-control youths are making library staff’s lives a misery by subjecting them to verbal abuse and physical assaults.

The group, believed to be aged between 11 and 15, are targeting staff at Colchester Library, in Trinity Square.

Essex County Council, which runs the library, has imposed banning orders on the group and County Hall bosses have vowed pursue criminal charges at the next sign of trouble.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “The behaviour witnessed by this small group is very unusual in the context of the number of visitors who use the library every day.

“However, it is completely unacceptable.

“Therefore we have imposed bans and will enforce them if necessary by calling the police.”

He added: “The staff who witnessed these incidents are being supported by their managers and are also working with security staff in the nearby shopping centre and Colchester Borough Council to co-ordinate a joint response if required in the future.”

It is understood the behaviour has been going on for more than a year and police have been contacted a number of times, including at least three 999 calls, the latest of which came on Saturday shortly after 3.30pm.

During that incident, one member of staff is said to have been spat at while another was allegedly involved in an altercation with a teenage girl.

Last Friday, one member of staff was allegedly kicked by one of the group, an incident which the Gazette understands is one of a number which have not been reported to Essex Police because of library staff’s belief officers will not attend the scene.

Essex Police was contacted for comment on the issue but none was received before the Gazette went to press last night.