Sir Michael Caine has said he is in favour of reintroducing national service which he believes would give the youth of today "a sense of belonging rather than a sense of violence".

The actor touched upon the subject at Tuesday's premiere of Harry Brown (pictured) - his new film in which he plays a vigilante intent on revenge against young thugs who killed his friend.

He said the movie, set in a London council estate beset by problems with drugs and gun crime, was "almost documentary".

"There should be a great plan to re-educate these youngsters. It's such a waste - they all feel society has let them down."

"I'm just saying put them in the army for six months," says the 76-year-old, who served in the Korean War and did two years of national service.

Photo: � Getty Images