POLICE were called to a complaint of anti-social behaviour after an incident left a Wrexham Scout group in lock down.

A group of teenagers tried to gain access to the scout hall, which is based on Lakeside Close in Gresford, and verbally abused the Leader and some of the children in attendance when they were challenged.

Moz Morris, District Commissioner of Wrexham Scouts, said that although the youths didn't get beyond the threshold of the building, the children had been scared by the threats and the group would be looking to carry out a risk assessment and implement some changes to its practices.

He said: "It's happened before in the past but having spoken to the group Leader, who's only taken over in the last year or two, she's told me she's never experienced anything like this.

"What do you do, lock the doors? We try and be a nice community facility whose doors are always open to any young people that would like to come and join. But obviously we need to reassess that in light of what's happened."

One of the issues facing the Gresford group at the moment is the fact there is just one Leader, supported each week by a parental rota, when most Scout Groups would have at least three or four in place and it's a problem Mr Morris is hoping to address.

He added: "Unfortunately, we don't get enough support from volunteers and if we can try and convert some of the goodwill that exists in the local community into them becoming actively involved, that would be great. We're not going to win the battle to stop anti-social behaviour, but the problems would be a lot easier to deal with if we have more people to help.

"If these kids are really that bored, we have the facilities for them and we could always speak to them and invite them to join."

Cllr Andrew Atkinson said: "The incident on Friday night (January 11) was disgusting and I hope that those responsible are brought to justice swiftly.

"I've been working with the police to assist them with their enquiries and want to thank them for all they've done so far and for how seriously it's been taken especially by our local PCSO Susan. No-one should have to be in that situation.

"I'm very grateful to the scouts and the local leader of that group Beccy for all their hard work and I hope that volunteers will still come forward to support them for what is ordinarily a very rewarding opportunity to help serve the community."

North Wales Police confirmed they were called shortly after 8.30pm to reports of five males shouting abuse outside the scout hut in Gresford, but have nothing further to add at this stage.

If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer they can find out more at www.wrexhamscouts.org.uk.