Filmmakers behind Channel 4's Immigration Street say they cut short filming in Southampton after threats and attacks on crew

Bosses at Love Productions said production workers also had rocks and stones thrown at them and their tyres slashed as they tried to film in Derby Road for the new ‘Immigration Street’ series for Channel 4.

Kieran Smith, the creative director of the programme also revealed that one person who has agreed to take part in the show – which will be aired in coming weeks – was also badly beaten up and needed hospital treatment for his injuries.

The claims were revealed today but have been greeted with “suspicion” by residents campaigning to stop the show being aired, saying the title is unfair and amid fears it will cause a cohesive community to split.

Hampshire police say they are aware and are investigating an allegation of assault on one of the participants of the programme. But a senior officer said the force was not able to investigate any claims about threats and criminal gangs as Channel 4 would not provide any statements.

Cllr Satvir Kaur

Satvir Kaur, councillor and cabinet member for communities in Southampton, has campaigned against the show being filmed and says she is ‘suspicious’ of claims made by Mr Smith.

She said: “I have lived in this area for 30 years and never have I felt safer, and with my role as cabinet member for communities I know it is one of the safest areas statistically in the city to live and work in. I am not aware of any gang culture and that street.”

“If they were in fear for their lives and being threatened with acid attacks or if there is any threat of criminal activity they have a responsibility to report that to the police.

“I am really surprised they have not reported it, it makes those claims highly questionable.”

Superintendent James Fulton, police commander for Southampton, said:"We can confirm that we have been working with one of the participants of the documentary series who alleges that he was assaulted. We are investigating this allegation.”

“During the main block of filming, we did receive reports of a number of confrontations between local groups and film crew.

“However, Channel Four has declined to provide any statements which would provide us with the evidence necessary to make follow-up enquiries against suspects, so we have been unable to take these allegations any further. We did maintain contact with the film crew to offer advice and guidance if it was required.”

A spokesman for Channel Four said: “There was security hired to take care of them after threats were made.

“It was just decided that it was becoming so self defeating, not just for film crews but the participants taking part, it was more for their safety than the crews.”