Police ‘assaulted’ in heatwave mass brawl on Bournemouth Beach

Three people have been arrested after multiple police officers were injured as bottles were allegedly thrown at them on Bournemouth beach.

The three officers came under attack as they sought to break up a mass brawl on the sand involving more than 100 young people last night.

Video posted on social media showed the officers leading away one young man for his own safety after he had been chased across the beach and attacked by a large group.

But as officers went on to make arrests, the crowd allegedly turned on them and began hurling things, including glass bottles.

One male officer used pepper spray against a member of the ‘mob’ during the chaos, which turned into a standoff as 35 officers set up a cordon at Pier Approach to contain the situation.

Police arrested a 22-year-old man from Tottenham, north London, for possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

A 17-year-old boy from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of assault and affray, and a 17-year-old boy from the Portsmouth area was arrested on suspicion of affray.

All three remain in police custody at this time.

The Dorset Police Federation today confirmed that three officers were injured during the brawl, which has been roundly condemned by officials.

Chris Wood, chairman of the federation, said: ‘I am appalled by the incident on Bournemouth beach last night where our officers were assaulted by a small minority of those who had come to Bournemouth to enjoy the beach.

‘Fortunately, the injuries are minor, and all officers remained at work to support their colleagues. Having gone out last night and spoken with officers who were involved and seen some of their body-worn video, their professionalism in the face of this incident was unquestioned.’

Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, of Dorset police, said: ‘The levels of violence and disorder we saw last night on the beach were absolutely unacceptable and not something we will tolerate here in Dorset.’

Police have launched an investigation and said they will ensure anyone involved is ‘held accountable’.

CS Howe added: ‘Not only were they trying to prevent the situation from escalating, but they were also responding to critical medical emergencies on the beach, which included giving CPR to a woman and helping provide support to the ambulance service.

‘Stop your children, make sure you know where they are going and what they are doing. Violence and disorder will not be tolerated in Dorset.’

Scores of visitors went to Bournemouth to enjoy the sunny weather as the UK continues to roast in a heatwave.

The sandy beaches were filled with umbrellas and towels as locals and visitors alike tried to catch a bit of sun.

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