SECURITY could be stepped up at a Fareham bail hostel after it was targeted by a mob who threatened to burn it down.

Officials from Hampshire Probation Service, which runs Dixon House, are to hold talks with the police amid fears the hostel could again be targeted.

An angry group of about 20 men and women caused an ugly scene outside the hostel after BBC programme The Protectors, screened on Wednesday night, revealed its location.

Police were called to disperse the crowd that had gathered after it is believed leaflets calling people to take action had been distributed in the area.

It was feared that the crowd might attack some of the hostel residents after the TV programme highlighted the cases of two sex offenders.

David Scott, chief officer with Hampshire Probation Service, said: "We will review the security with the police and we will be talking to local people."

He revealed that scores of telephone calls had been received from the public following the programme.

He added: "They had a range of worries about whether these men were still at large in the community.

"What doesn't help the situation is this kind of direct action. It doesn't help us to protect the public."

Mr Scott reviewed the film before it was screened but he refused to comment on whether he believed it had identified the Fareham hostel.

He said: "It showed a range of hostels across the county. At this stage I would not be able to say whether the programme was cause or effect of what happened on Saturday night."

A spokesman for the BBC said: "We are confident that the programme did not identify the bail hostel. We showed the film to the police, Home Office and other agencies before it was screened and they were happy with it."

PC Phil Wheeler, who is investigating the disturbance on Saturday at 8pm, has appealed for anybody with information about the incident to contact him on 0845 045 4545.