Pro-Palestinian protesters have held a demonstration outside the home of Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood, with signs accusing him of being “complicit in genocide” in Gaza.

The group of activists were filmed waving Palestinian flags and leading chants with a megaphone on Monday night.

Mr Ellwood told Sky News’ Kay Burley that between 60 and 80 people gathered outside for a number of hours while he and his children were indoors, and Operation Bridger – a police security programme to protect MPs – was put in place.

Politics live: Labour in ‘absolute mess’ over Rochdale candidate

Dorset Police confirmed they were aware of the protest, with a spokesperson telling Sky News: “Officers attended the scene and liaised with the organisers to ensure people could exercise their right to protest legally and safely without causing significant or ongoing serious public disorder, serious damage or serious disruption to the community.

“We respect people’s right to lawful protest. However, we have a duty to ensure those involved act within the law and ensure the local community can go about their lawful activities.”

The force said the group left the area by around 8.50pm and no arrests were made.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Housing minister Lee Rowley told Sky News the incident was “terrible”, accusing the protesters of “bullying” and making an “attempt to intimidate” his colleague.

“We know that is not what the vast majority of the people in this country do though,” he added. “They debate properly. They debate proportionately. They debate reasonably.

“I think this kind of [protests]should absolutely stop and we should get back to debating and discussing the key issues.”

Related posts:

People aged 56 to 59 invited to book in for a COVID jab from next week ‘Mini’ COVID-restricted Queen’s birthday parade takes place at Windsor Castle Brown crabs mesmerised by underwater power cables for renewable energy sources, study finds Kitten rescued by firefighters after getting trapped in bathroom wall Ex-F1 boss Max Mosley shot himself after being told he had weeks to live Replacing Boris Johnson must be done ‘properly and professionally, but quickly’, says cabinet minister Travelling by train this Christmas? Festive disruption and the rail lines affected £21bn of public money lost in fraud since pandemic began and most will never be recovered ‘Manifestation is real’ – UK sprinter smashes 100m record after writing down exact time on morning of race Controversial ex-police chief ‘told colleague she could touch herself’ Former Premier League footballer dies aged 49 Trio in court after ancient stone targeted in Edinburgh Castle protest