Carol yobs issue threats

Carol-singing yobs in Kidderminster are threatening to damage and set fire to property in revenge against people who refuse to give them money.

And a warning has also gone out about bogus charity collections by conmen singing carols.

The new threats have sparked criticism from both a church leader and a councillor in the town.

Police in Spennells and Comberton have already received at least five calls about singers becoming abusive when residents do not wish to hear them sing.

Carol singers reportedly tried to set fire to a frost cover on a car windscreen in Kittiwake Drive on Tuesday.

And last week, a singer threatened to throw a brick through the window of a house in Whinchat Grove when the occupant tried to close the door.

Rev Canon Owain Bell from St Mary's and All Saints Church said: "People should be carolling for the sheer delight of doing it, not making money. When I have been out carol singing, although I haven't been this year, it's been to celebrate Christmas and to bring pleasure to the people we are singing to. There's no place for intimidating people in carol singing."

Wyre Forest district councillor John Aston said he was disgusted by the behaviour of the carol singers. He added: "You don't expect this sort of thing at this time of year." On Sunday, two carol singers were also arrested in Hill Grove Crescent, Comberton, on suspicion of falsely claiming to be collecting money for charity, although they were later released without charge.

Local policing officer Pc Russ Bunce said: "Some of the residents are elderly and have felt very intimidated by aggressive carol singers.

"Residents have every right to say no, and should not feel threatened into handing over money."