The attack was no laughing matter for Circus Starr

Performers in Circus Starr were abused and threatened by the teenagers as they were setting up their big top in Trelewis, near Merthyr Tydfil.

They packed up and left that night because they felt it would not be safe.

Circus Starr, which has featured on Children In Need, has no plans to reschedule 12 shows in the village. Police have launched an investigation.

The circus shows were to be a highlight for communities across the Merthyr Valley, and the troupe arrived at Parc Taf Bargoed in the village, a community-run green space built on the site of three former coal mines.

But as they began to unload their vans, the yobs moved in.

Local councillor Leighton Smart said: "The circus turned up late in the evening in order set up their equipment ready for the Saturday morning.

"They were approached by a gang of youths, not children but young adults between about 16 to 20 (years of age) who proceeded to hurl stones at them, and threats of all sorts.

'Disgraceful incident'

"The circus phoned the police.

"By the time the police arrived these men had disappeared but, unfortunately, the circus decided it was far too dangerous for them to stay there. They had children with them.

"They pulled out. There's disappointment all round throughout the valley plus further afield because this circus was attracting people from all over the south-east Wales valleys."

South Wales Police Chief Inspector Darren Phillips urged local people to come forward with information.

He said: "The people running the circus obviously felt unsafe staying in the area. It's a disgraceful incident."