The businessman outlined the campaign of violence and abuse which has left them “on the verge of collapse” in a disturbing letter to Tayside Police which has been seen by the Tele.

“I recently took over the convenience store and business is good and most customers are excellent,” said Mr Bhattarai. “Some customers regularly ask about our welfare and are very supportive.

“Our main concern in this shop is some local teenagers and a handful of early-20s’ adults who every day terrorise the shop. They throw stones, juice cans or whatever they find.

“We had an incident with a dead rat and bird being thrown inside the store. I thank God that me and my staff have not been physically injured so far, but emotionally and mentally we are on the verge of collapse.”

Mr Bhattarai said that the situation had become so bad he was considering closing the store “for safety reasons,” after 5 pm, when the trouble has generally started.

In his letter, which has also been forwarded to a local councillor and the area’s community safety panel, Mr Bhattarai reveals how:

Children of seven or eight spout hateful racial abuse “without fear or hesitation” and on such a regular basis staff believe they have made a game of it.

Gangs of up to 15 teenagers go on the rampage inside the store, damaging and stealing stock, blocking the entrance and refusing to leave when asked.

Irresponsible adults regularly visit the store looking for cigarettes to pass on to under-age children, while arguments erupt if young people are not sold restricted products.

Groups of young people appear to be using drugs in the area.

Mr Bhattarai said he was seeking talks with local police, although he acknowledged that patrols in the area were not a “permanent solution”.

“This is a pure community-based matter and the solution should be found within the local community,” he continued.

“Mainly, local residents as well as parents and youth community workers, law enforcement organisations and shop owners of this area should act together to eradicate or at least reduce to a minimum this anti-social behaviour.”

East end Councillor Christina Roberts said she had already raised the issues in the letter with the local police and relevant people within the council, and was seeking early discussions.

She said, “There was a bit of a problem there before, but not to the extent it is now. I was appalled when I read what was in the letter.

“I have spoken to the liaison officers who are having a look at it and hopefully we will get a meeting with Mr Bhattarai and see if we can move forward with him.

“I am hopeful that we will get something done pretty quickly, because it’s not fair.

“He says there is racial abuse from seven and eight-year-olds but children that age don’t usually do that, so you wonder who is behind it. It’s a shame.”

A spokesman for Tayside Police said, “We have received Mr Bhattarai’s letter and it has been passed to the local area inspector who will be arranging to meet with him to discuss these issues and the policing response to them in detail.

“There are ongoing problems with youths in the area and they are receiving additional attention from Tayside Police. We would appeal for the community’s assistance to this end as no one should tolerate criminal or anti-social behaviour.

“Anyone with concerns or information should call 0845 600 5705, or speak to any officer, and provide as much information as possible about the incident, including descriptions of those responsible.”