A GROUP of teenagers rammed a shopping trolley into a building and shouted abuse at a fitness group, forcing them to lock themselves in.

The youngsters - thought to be about 15 - rammed the trolley against the side of St Peter's village hall before shouting abuse and bursting into the class screaming.

Worcester Mum, Irene Surridge, who runs the class, said she was forced to lock the hall doors to prevent the youngsters from interrupting the class. 

Irene said: "It was a bit embarrassing because I was teaching a fitness class and I couldn't really stop the class to go out and investigate." 

"My son's only 11, there was a massive bang outside and Max went out to have a look and he said 'Mum, they're hitting the shopping trolley against the side of the building'.

"And then they started banging on the windows but quite hard, so we pulled the blinds down."

The group were heard shouting offensive comments about the size and fitness of the class's attendees.

Irene said: "They continued to bang.

"When they didn't get a reaction they burst through the village hall, whacked open my class doors and then they ran back out again screaming.

"I didn't get a look at them, my son thinks they were about 15.

"There was a group of them, but he didn't know how many because I asked him not to go out there.

"In the end, I had to pause my class and go and physically lock the front door to keep them from coming in."

The anti-social behaviour began at around 7.20pm on Wednesday night and went on for around 25 minutes.

Irene added: "It was not long after that they got bored and obviously left and by the time we left a lot of my members were offering to walk me out but I said 'they don't bother me'.

"When we left the hall about 8.10pm they'd gone.

"I have taught there for several years, and over the years we've had it again and again and again.

"When you're trying to teach a fitness class it's really hard.

"I'm not intimidated by it, but some people are.

"It can be frightening walking out there if you're alone and a woman, for example."

Irene said members of her class were worried.

She said: "I wouldn't say they were fearful, but I'd say they were concerned about what was going to happen next.

"It's such a lovely area, it's such a lovely place, we've been in St Peter's for 11 years and it's just the odd group that just terrorise people.

"I know an awful lot of people with kids around the 14, 15 mark and you see them in the football courts or hanging around that area and they are always extremely polite and a really nice bunch of kids.

"I don't know if these kids are from St Peter's or if they are coming from surrounding areas."

Chairman of St Peter's Village Hall Association, Roger Knight, said: "I've reported the matter to the police.

"We do have CCTV, so I've offered that to the police as well.

"It's disappointing that this antisocial behaviour has occurred, we haven't experienced such things for quite a while here in St Peter's

"St Peters is a lovely place to live and there's no excuse for such pathetic actions.

"As always, it is the few and this is a very small group spoiling life for others.

"It's time they grew up and acted in a more responsible manner, with respect for others.

"I hope that this is a one-off and such action does not take place again."

Worcester City councillor Steve Mackay said: "My view is that any instances of this type of behaviour, it's worthwhile reporting it to the police because then they know what's going on in a particular area and can respond accordingly if they get any more calls."

We have asked West Mercia Police for a comment.