FIVE boys accused of terrorising two men in a department store were reprimanded by magistrates as they sniggered in court.

The youths, aged 15 and 14, allegedly harrassed the men inside Marks & Spencer, in Beckenham High Street, in what police described as a homophobic incident.

Sitting between their lawyers and families at Bromley Youth Court, they appeared amused as they were asked to plead to the charges of causing the men harassment, alarm or distress and disorderly conduct.

Chair of the bench, Mrs A Mowatt, told them: "It is not a funny thing. Don’t sit there laughing or smirking at me. This is quite serious."

All five pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The boys, who cannot be named because of their age, are a 15-year-old from Downham, a 15-year-old and a 14-year-old from Beckenham, a 14-year-old from Shortlands and a 14-year-old from Forest Hill.

The case was adjourned until later this month, when a trial date will be fixed.