Up to 80 anti-Israel protesters chant outside the home of Tory MP Tobias Ellwood

Operation Bridger, a police security programme to protect MPs, which was established in response to the murder of Jo Cox, was put in place to provide additional security. Police can be seen in videos of the protest shared on social media. 

Protesters outside the MP's home (Photo: Twitter/X)[Missing Credit]

Minister for Housing, Lee Rowley, condemned the protest and told Sky News that the incident was “terrible.”

“Everybody should have a right to make their view known” Rowley said, but “that kind of bullying [and] that kind of attempt to intimidate is unacceptable”.

Dorset Police confirmed they were aware of the protest, and a spokesperson told 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, but the incident is still being investigated.

The targeting of Ellwood's home comes in the wake of the resignation of Mike Freer, who is quitting parliament after a series of death threats and an arson attack on his constituency office. Freer was targeted by the man who went on to murder David Amess in 2021.