RESIDENTS in Boscombe say they would intervene to stop incidents of antisocial behaviour – despite the alleged attack on their MP.

Their comments follow an incident in the town on Saturday in which Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood was allegedly punched by youths after confronting them about playing football in the precinct.

Mr Ellwood was said to have tried to take photos of them on his mobile phone before he was allegedly punched several times to the head and face.

Yesterday, 28-year-old support workers Katie Golc said: “We should step in and say this is not appropriate behaviour and call for help. We should always say no, no matter how many people are involved. The more we do this, the more it will stop.”

Chris Hattwell, 18, a student from Boscombe, said: “I would step in to make a statement and make an example to others that such behaviour is not right.”

Ward councillor Philip Stanley-Watts said it appeared Mr Ellwood was being a “good citizen” in intervening.

But the chairman of Action Group for the Protection of Communities (AGPUK), Carl Barron, warned others not to get involved.

“If a man who is of the build of Tobias Ellwood cannot overcome a minor confrontation such as this what hope has poor Joe Public in confrontation with such youths?” he said.

Two 17-year-old boys arrested in connection with the incident have been released on police bail until July 5.