A TEENAGER has been cautioned after a fisherman was attacked while fly fishing in the Yorkshire Dales.

The man suffered facial injuries in the incident on the banks of the River Ure, at Redmire, near Leyburn.

It is understood the teenager was with a group of friends who were throwing stones into the water near the fisherman.

The fisherman was attacked when he approached the youths and asked them to stop.

He suffered a facial injury in the incident which was witnessed by a group of holidaymakers.

Witnesses said the boy also threatened to stab the fisherman, although this has not been confirmed.

The teenagers were on holiday at the time and were staying in a cottage near the village.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said a 14-year-old boy from York was issued with a youth caution for assault following an incident at Redmire, near Leyburn, on August 3.

It is understood the victim does not live locally but does have a holiday home in the area.

The incident comes amid growing concerns of anti-social behaviour at the beauty spot.

Villagers have complained about the growing number of young people who come to drink alcohol and hold barbecues on the riverbank – and then fail to take their rubbish home.

Residents say teenagers are using the field beside the river for camping without permission.

Parking near the river has now been cordoned off to discourage visitors travelling from neighbouring towns and villages to the area.

Police have urged people to report visitors causing a nuisance.

The only legal right of way along the riverbank is a footpath that runs parallel with the river approximately ten metres back from the waters edge.

The stretch is popular with fisherman with work ongoing to make the Ure a productive salmon river.