A teenager threatened to behead a social worker who came to remove his sister and niece from their home in Feltham, a court heard.

The 16-year-old hurled abuse at the terrified Hounslow Council employee before leaping onto the bonnet of the car in which she was sitting, Feltham Magistrates' Court was told.

Roz Wardell, prosecuting, told the court the female social worker had arrived at the address on July 7 to pick up the defendant's elder sister and her seven-month-old daughter.

She said he shouted: "Get away from my property. You're a home wrecker. I'm going to chop your f***ing head off."

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, then walked towards the social worker in an intimidating manner, at which point she got into the car and locked the door, Ms Wardell said.

He then threw himself onto the bonnet and continued yelling vile abuse before running off with the car keys, which he later returned, the court was told.

The defence counsel said it was a "close-knit" family and the defendant had been "incredibly upset and emotional over the trauma of being separated from his older sister".

He added that the boy suffers from ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and finds it hard to express himself but had expressed remorse for his actions.

The teenager admitted using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence.

He was sentenced at Feltham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to a one year referral order.

He was also told to pay costs of £25, plus £50 compensation to the victim, and a victim surcharge of £15.