AN ANDOVER man was forced to barricade himself inside his own home after a gang of around 50 youngsters went on the rampage, throwing bricks and stones at his windows.

The incident on Saturday night was the culmination of a weekend of violence on the Roman Way estate.

It began following a dispute at the fairground in Smannell Road on Friday evening between two 14-year-old girls.

A man separated the two and allegedly handled one of the girls 'roughly'.

"Rumour went around Roman Way estate that this chap had hit one of the girls and so a large number of kids decided to take the law into their own hands," said Pc Ted Reynolds. The man was spotted returning from the fair and attacked by some of the youngsters, although he was not seriously injured, according to police.

"They chased the man back to his home in Roman Way where he barricaded himself into the house, while the youngsters armed themselves with bricks and stones," said Pc Reynolds.

The mob broke a 'number of windows' as police officers were called to deal with the situation and disperse the crowds. Witnesses on the estate told how events 'turned nasty' as the abusive jeers escalated into violence.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to both the initial incident at the fairground on Friday night and what took place in Roman Way on Saturday night.

Pc Reynolds said: "We do not tolerate this kind of behaviour from anyone and this matter will be fully investigated.

"This is a one-off situation and the public should not fear for their safety.

"With support from the public we will prevent similar incidents happening again in the future."

One girl was arrested but has been released on police bail without charge pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Andover police on 0845 045 4545.