MP pelted after confronting gang

The MP said the youths were astonished to be approached

An MP is urging people to confront anti-social behaviour after a gang of youths pelted him with stones when he challenged them about their behaviour.

Tobias Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth East, confronted the group on the Townsend Estate, in his constituency, when they urinated in someone's garden.

He said the gang verbally abused him and threw stones at him when he threatened to call police.

He said more people should be prepared to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Mr Ellwood, a Conservative MP, told the BBC: "Unless more people come forward and try to prevent this sort of behaviour it will continue to grow.

"There is a generation growing up now that are not used to being challenged. Unless we do challenge them, then these sort of youths will be carrying knives in a couple of years.

"When I actually approached them, they were astonished to actually be approached. They don't know the difference between good and bad."

Dorset Police said they did attend the incident on Friday but so far the youths have not been traced.

Act Sgt Michelle Ford said: "We would always actively encourage members of the public to report incidents of anti-social behaviour to us to give as much information as possible.

"However if they decide to approach those responsible then we just make sure they're aware of the dangers that may be present and the circumstances that they may not be able to control themselves."