POLICE have launched an investigation after reports of a man constantly harassing people at a sheltered housing block.

Residents of The Brambles in Eastern Avenue, Southend, have told how a man has been constantly exposing himself, urinating in lifts and stairwells and verbally abusing them and their families.

Police are probing six months worth of reports.

Yet fed-up residents at the block, owned by South Essex Homes, said the problems have been going on for at least three years.

A woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It’s been going on since I moved here and things are getting worse.

“The man is constantly walking around, shouting and swearing, exposing himself and will regularly pee in the lifts. This week, a woman who uses a wheelchair was forced to get someone to help her use the stairs as the lift was covered in urine.

“Loads of us have been suffering, and we regularly report it to South Essex Homes but they’ve done nothing. We’re scared and feel ashamed when family members come to visit.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are investigating following reports of harassment and a public order offence at an address in Eastern Avenue, Southend.

“The public order offence is alleged to have occurred on May 12, with the harassment reported to having taken place between November 12, 2018 and May this year. Enquiries are ongoing.”

A spokesman for South Essex Homes said: “In partnership with multiple agencies, including Southend Council Adult Social Services and Essex Police, we work hard to resolve any anti-social behaviour issues through mediation, warnings, acceptable behaviour contracts and referrals to other support services.

“We understand that anti-social behaviour can be a blight on other communities and want to work with residents to tackle any issues quickly and effectively.

“Reports of anti-social behaviour are dealt with on a case by case basis and the necessary action is taken. Whilst eviction is an absolute last resort, it is an action that we support in the right circumstances.”