A fight on Bournemouth beach near the Pier Approach escalated into large-scale disorder on Tuesday evening, prompting BCP Council to warn that those travelling to the town to cause trouble will face action. Dorset Police said officers were called around 6pm on 26 May to reports of a fight that grew into a wider disturbance involving a large number of people.
During the response, officers were met with violence and hostility, with glass bottles and objects thrown at them. Three arrests were made: a 22-year-old man from Tottenham on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, a 17-year-old boy from Southampton on suspicion of assault and affray, and a 17-year-old boy from Portsmouth on suspicion of affray. No officers were seriously injured, though police also had to administer CPR to a woman at the scene while dealing with the disorder.
Councillor Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, made clear that while law-abiding visitors are welcome, those intent on causing trouble are not. Chief Superintendent Julie Howe confirmed that officers were assaulted during the disorder and praised their professionalism. She added that some groups had travelled from outside the county specifically to cause disruption. An increased police presence remains in the beach area as the half-term school holidays continue.
The council stressed it takes a joined-up approach to antisocial behaviour with agencies including Dorset Police, sharing intelligence to act quickly on issues. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan sent a clear message to those intent on causing harm to leave the area. Thousands of visitors descended on the seafront over the warm Bank Holiday weekend, and authorities are keen to prevent further incidents as the summer season begins.
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