Police warn carol singers

Groups of teenage carol singers are terrorising homeowners in Gloucestershire who refuse to pay them money.

Police in the county are urging parents to keep a close eye on their youngsters after reports of anti-social behaviour by carollers.

In Tewkesbury, a group of boys threw stones at a house when they believed they would not get any money.

And in Hucclecote, a woman had a laser pen shone in her eyes after she refused to part with any cash.

The actions of this small minority have clearly overstepped the mark Pc Paul Francis

Officers in Cheltenham, Cirencester, Bishops Cleeve, Brockworth, Cinderford and Gloucester have all received calls raising concerns about the behaviour of gangs of youths between 17 and 22 December.

Pc Paul Francis said: "The police do not wish to stop young people going out to have fun and enjoy themselves.

"But if they cross the line into acts of vandalism or anti-social behaviour, then we will take action."

He added that people should not answer the door to carol singers if they felt intimidated, and asked parents to ensure that at least one responsible adult accompanied all groups of young carol singers.

"Parents have a responsibility to control their children and if they fail in that duty they could find themselves held responsible in a civil court for the actions of their sons and daughters, he said.

"Christmas should be an occasion for all the family to enjoy. There is nothing wrong with having a good time but the actions of this small minority have clearly overstepped the mark."