THE Foreign Office has stepped in after a supposed mercy mission to Romania turned into a disaster.

Rod Jones, founder of Teesside-based Convoy Aid, took two youngsters, who were subject to Crasbos, or Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, to Romania, in an attempt to steer them onto a new path.

However, both Stephen Baker, 17, of Ormesby, near Middlesbrough, and Liam Shone, 16, of Loftus, east Cleveland, have found themselves in hot water, with Mr Baker being investigated for alleged assault and drink-driving.

To make matters worse, Mr Jones is also being investigated by the police for alleged firearms offences.

Authorities in Romania seized several guns and air weapons from Mr Jones' residence during the course of their investigations.

Speaking from the Romanian town of Bivolari, Mr Jones, 58, admitted taking Mr Baker had been a grave mistake.

He claimed: "On his first day in Romania, he took Convoy Aid's van without permission, reversed it into a bollard and ripped off the driver's door, which he left open, causing several hundred pounds worth of damage."

The Foreign Office has confirmed that an investigation has been launched.

A spokesman said: "We can't go into details of the case because of confidentiality, but I can confirm the Foreign Office are aware of the case and we are in touch with Convoy Aid and with the next of kin.

"We are giving consular assistance as we normally do in these circumstances and are liaising with the local authorities in Romania."

Magistrates on Teesside relaxed bail conditions, including an electronic tag, to allow Mr Baker to accompany Mr Jones and his Romanian wife, Gabriela, to Romania in December, last year.

However, the youngster's distraught mother, Sharon Baker, now just wants to be reunited with her son.

She said: "I spoke to him on Saturday and I just want him home now. I don't know exactly what has been going on over there, but I want to hear it from Stephen himself and not over a telephone."

Mr Jones' run-in with the authorities comes after police seized the replica guns and air weapons from the wall of his home.

The arms - a replica Winchester rife, two replica colt 45s, an air rifle and air gun - were, he said, shipped by mistake to Romania, among a consignment of aid several years ago.

Mr Jones has been told to put plans to return to England on hold and keep local police aware of his movements while tests are carried out by ballistics experts.

"I am not guilty of course," he said. "But I have been accused. The firearms have been sent away to establish how dangerous they are.

"It is a right load of bull, I am not guilty."