TAXI drivers in Port Glasgow are under attack from anti-social youths and say they fear someone could be killed unless action is taken to stop missiles being launched at their cars.

Out of control youths are causing havoc by hurling bricks, stones, eggs and other other objects at moving vehicles.

The yobs have been gathering at the taxi rank near Tesco and close to the retail park, with a string of incidents taking place.

Despite calls to the police the abuse has continued, with drivers saying they were targeted throughout last Monday afternoon when schools were closed due to teachers' strikes.

One driver, who was too frightened to be named, said: "We have become a target.

"They are throwing bits of slate at our cars, stones and even eggs.

"Someone had about 20 eggs hitting their car.

"It is happening at nights and every weekend.

"Someone is going to get killed or seriously hurt unless something is done about this.

"You get a real fright when something hits your car and your first reaction is to swerve.

"It tends to happen at night and when the schools are off but last Monday was terrible.

"They are even opening doors and chucking things in like ketchup when we are parked up.

"Drivers are being forced to abandon shifts because they have to clean their cars which are covered inside and out in eggs and tomato ketchup.

"Do the parents of these kids even know where they are and what they are up?

"The staff in McDonald's have had a terrible time as well and in the retail park the kids are going into stores and causing trouble.

"It's got to the stage we are not able to come into the taxi rank.

"There is no point phoning the police, we have tried that, but nothing seems to happen.

"One driver called up to say his windscreen had been cracked and was told there was not a police car available to attend.

"There have been community wardens there but it doesn't seem to stop these kids."

Shocked councillor Robert Moran has met with the drivers at the taxi rank and promised urgent action will be taken over the 'outrageous' onslaught.

He said: "There is ongoing anti-social behaviour with McDonald's and the taxi drivers in particular being targeted.

"The safety of the taxi drivers, shop staff and the public must be paramount.

"I have spoken to the police and they say they will be taking action to clamp down on this and to identify the ringleaders.

"But I will be keeping on top of this and would ask parents to remind their children of the importance of having respect for people who are out trying to do their jobs.

"We have taxi drivers losing money because they have to go and get their cars cleaned and can't do a full shift.

"This is unacceptable, it is hard enough for them to make a living as it is without this.

"I think we also need to look to see what we can do as a council to put diversionary activities in place for the young people."

His council colleague, Tommy McVey, who works as a taxi driver, also hit out at the mindless morons.

Mr McVey said: "What is happening is totally unacceptable.

"There is a real problem in the town centre and at the McDonald's and I am calling for Police Scotland to put the appropriate resources in place to deal with this dangerous behaviour."

When the Tele contacted Police Scotland they confirmed a number of incidents had been reported and promised action was being taken.

Inspector Paul Thompson said: “We are aware of anti-social behaviour incidents involving young people in this area of Port Glasgow recently and are acutely aware of the disruptive effect this can have on a community.

“Local officers are working closely with partners and local businesses to address these issues and find meaningful solutions to direct young people away from this mindless activity.

“Dedicated patrols are carried out in the area, with officers providing reassurance to the community as well as engaging with young people and discouraging antisocial behaviour.

"It is worth stressing that the vast majority of young people do not come to the attention of police but we know that a small minority do sometimes become involved in anti-social behaviour and their actions can have a negative impact on the lives of local residents.

"We are committed to encouraging people away from this kind of behaviour but will take appropriate action where incidents are reported and offenders identified."