A couple say they endured eight months of hell after their nightmare neighbours spat at them, hit them and even threatened to kill their dog.

Philip Webb, who has a flat in Oak Road, Murston, Sittingbourne, lived next to tenants who were evicted by police after a reign of antisocial behaviour, including threats and harassment to neighbours.

They were kicked out last month and a three-month closure order was put in place on the property, meaning it is an offence for anyone to go inside during that time.

It came after what police described as "vile verbal abuse" being aimed at people living in the area, as well as other problems such as loud music, swearing and multiple bonfires.

Mr Webb, who is 65 and recovering from a heart attack, was among those who suffered at the hands of the tenants.

"I moved here on February 22 after eight months on the waiting list," he said. "Since then, our neighbours have given us hell.

"The first time I met them they asked me for two quid.

"I gave it to them without questioning it but then the following day they asked for £3 and it just kept adding up until it was around the £40 mark.

"I put my foot down and said I couldn't give them any more money and they'd have to pay it back as I was on sick benefits and I'm nearly a pensioner.

"It was when they realised that I'd stop giving them money that the verbal and physical violence began."

Philip's partner, 65-year-old Joan Lovett, spends some of her time living with him.

After Philip moved from a hostel to the Optivo housing association flat, she felt for the neighbours who were asking to borrow money.

Originally from Swanley, she said: "We'd see them struggling to cook meals.

"They lit the house with candles and even tried to cook a roast on a fire outside.

"So I decided to cook them a proper meal when I could, but it was expensive.

"So when Philip said 'no' to more payments and I stopped cooking for them they began being horrible."

The tenants next door began the torment by ordering takeaways to the couple's address. This then escalated to hoax ambulance and police calls.

'They began spitting on us while we were outside or leaving our property...'

Philip said: "They called the police and said to them that Joan and I were having domestic issues and a fight.

"The police turned up and we were very confused. We'd been sitting watching soaps all evening.

"Then an ambulance crew turned up at our door saying that we'd called them due to heart problems I was having. We'd never done such a thing.

"A cab driver even turned up at two in the morning knocking on our door while we were fast asleep, all because the people next door had called them."

However, the mental distress soon became physical.

Joan said: "They began spitting on us while we were outside or leaving our property.

"They'd shine light through our windows, jump over our garden fence and even smashed up Philip's car.

"They cracked the back lights and damaged all the paint work."

Philip explained how he is also under investigation by the police after he was forced to retaliate to the neighbours after the neighbours hit him across the back with a metal walking pole.

He said: "I came out the front when they were damaging my car and they just attacked me. over the back, Joan was also punched in the mouth by the neighbour's girlfriend.

"In self defence I retaliated and hit them back, however despite everything they'd done to us I am also being investigated."

Philip confirmed that a case worker and Kent Police were investigating that particular incident and other reports.

A police spokesman said: "Officers were made aware of ongoing concerns in this area and following a separate incident on September 6 two men from Oak Road, Murston, were arrested following an altercation.

"One man has been bailed until October 3, while the second man was bailed until October 4 with bail conditions not to enter Oak Road.

"Officers are continuing to monitor the situation and will take further action if required."

Philip said he'd rather be back at a hostel than living in Oak Road.

Joan added: "They even threatened to kill my dog, my puppy.

"Other neighbours have been forced to move from the area and it is just awful – it isn't good for our health being here."

Although the police closure order has forbid the old tenants from returning to the area the couple are certain they are still around.

Philip said: "They have friends across the road, they've been staying in tents, sheds, they're even getting their acquaintances to keep an eye on us.

"I don't feel safe and I am desperate to move, I just want to live near people my age and eat my dinner in peace.

"I can't take this any more, I don't smoke, I don't drink, I just pop to the shops and watch soaps.

"This whole situation has even put a strain on our relationship.

"I'm tearful everyday over this, it has been nothing but trouble, I need to get off this street."

Philip has asked Optivo and Swale council to help him move from his address.

So far he feels like nothing has been done.

A spokesman for Optivo said: "We believe everyone should feel safe in their own home and not subject to antisocial behaviour (ASB).

"We recently worked with Kent Police to support action against residents in a property in Oak Road, Sittingbourne for repeated antisocial behaviour offences.

"Kent Police have now taken further action to remove the perpetrators from the area.

"An Optivo resident has raised concerns about his own safety regarding this action.

"We’ve worked closely with him and have put safety measures in place. Releasing further details of these measures could compromise his safety.

"Our ASB officer is on hand to support the resident with a range of options."

Swale council has also been contacted for a comment.