A BORN-again Christian claims he was threatened with physical violence during his protest outside an abortion clinic in Taunton.

Street preacher Mike Overd, who also reported having a sign damaged, has criticised the police response to the incident in front of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, in Castle Street.

Police say they are investigating the incident last Thursday (April 11) at about 9.15am.

Mr Overd said two men approached him as he demonstrated against abortion.

"I went along on my own with some posters," he added.

"There were two men. One threatened to smash my face and break my nose.

"A police officer on the scene did nothing. She just let the men walk away and never called for back up and there was no attempt to detain the men."

Mr Overd rang 999 himself, but the officer rang in to call off the emergency response.

He said: "There's a bias from the authorities when it comes to dealing with a violent man, yet, when I'm supposed to be a hate preacher they're very quick on the ball.

"There was no offer of protection in a dangerous situation. I have no faith in the police."

Mr Overd, who has video of the incident, says he plans to lodge an official complaint about the police response.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokeswoman said the force is investigating "offences of criminal damage and public order".

She added: "A man has reported having a sign damaged and being threatened while protesting outside a sexual health clinic.

"Officers attended the incident but the man declined to make a statement at the time. The investigation is ongoing."

Anyone with information which could help is asked to get in touch through avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting reference 5219078649.

If an individual wishes to make a complaint about how they were dealt with by officers they can do so online avonandsomerset.police.uk/forms/mac