Overview
- A fight that began on Tuesday evening near Pier Approach on Bournemouth beach escalated into widespread disorder that saw officers attacked with glass bottles and other missiles.
- Around 35 officers, a police dog unit and the NPAS helicopter were deployed to cordon the area and disperse crowds while paramedics treated several medical incidents including CPR for a woman.
- Dorset Police arrested three people who remain in custody: a 22-year-old on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and two 17-year-olds on suspicion of assault and affray.
- Force leaders say they have launched a robust investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible and have publicly refuted social media claims that anyone was stabbed.
- Local officials warned the incident reflects seasonal pressure from large visitor numbers and hotter weather and have called for extra resources and possible measures such as targeted dispersal orders and transport policing.