Diners soaked with water pistols sparks police plea

A restaurant owner has called for anti-social behaviour to be tackled after more than 40 of his diners were sprayed with water pistols.

Nick Longden has owned the Countess of Evesham boat restaurant in Stratford-upon-Avon for the last 28 years.

He said four boys on bikes followed the diners as they left the restaurant, soaking them with water and laughing at them all the way back to their coach.

Police in Stratford said they were "sorry to hear about the experiences of the customers and we hear the concerns of the business owners".

In response to the soaking, Mr Longden has offered to personally walk people back to their cars after the group said on social media that they would not be returning to the restaurant.

Since then, hundreds of people have responded to his Facebook post, with other people also offering to walk his customers home or their car so they feel safe.

In recent weeks, similar situations have erupted in Barcelona when diners were sprayed with water during mass protests against tourism.

The restaurant sits inside a canal boat and provides tours along the River Avon

Mr Longden feels there is a lack of police in the town, making it a "no go area" for visitors and diners going to his restaurant - which has been damaged and targeted by burglars.

"When it starts affecting my customers, that's when I start to come forward," he said,"

The restrauteur said people felt there was no point in reporting anything to the police, because no action would be taken.

"People just want to feel safe and they don't at the moment in Stratford-upon-Avon," he said.

"There's no point in reporting anything and people feel that no action can be taken."

Mr Longden has also met new MP Manuela Perteghella to discuss the issue.

Warwickshire Police said that the town's police station was "staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with patrol officers who respond to incoming reports".

“We understand some residents have concerns over anti-social behaviour and we have been working with partners to take robust action," the force added.

Further foot patrols will be on the beat in the town centre, especially in areas where residents have raised concerns.