A CRACK den in Tottenham that became a magnet for prostitution and violence has been sealed off by Haringey police.

The property in Waverley Road, Northumberland Park, littered with crack pipes when officers visited, had been a source of fear and misery for its neighbours.

Highgate Magistrates Court, who granted the closure order, heard how the community endured screaming, furniture being thrown around, full-on fights 24 hours a day.

One petrified resident, granted anonymity, told the court in a statement: "I fear for my property and at the end of my tether".

The closure, which lasts for three months, marks the 200th drugs den shut down in the borough as part of ongoing work between the police and Haringey Council to improve the quality of life of its communities.

Councillor Bernice Vanier, cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, said: "People should be able to live their lives without the threat of disorder and violence.

"This action by the police will bring some welcome peace to the neighbourhood."

The closure order can be extended by a further three months if necessary and anyone who breaches it could face up to six months in prison or a £5000 fine.

Detective Chief Inspector Gurdip Singh, of Haringey's crime squad, said: "My officers collate information from the community to identify premises connected with the supply and misuse of illegal drugs. We work closely with Haringey Council and partner agencies to take action and crack down on the problem as swiftly as possible.

"No one should have to put up with drug related crime and disorder in their neighbourhood and I urge anyone with information to speak with their local Safer Neighbourhoods Team. All information will be treated in the strictest of confidence and we can maintain residents' anonymity when providing statements to court."

Those found at the property have been referred to support agencies for drug and alcohol dependency and to temporary accommodation to avoid simply forcing the users onto another location.