Man arrested over alleged sex attack on girl on Bournemouth beach

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage girl on Bournemouth beach.

The girl was on the beach close to Bournemouth pier at 8pm on Friday night when she was allegedly attacked.

The incident was reported to police officers who were on patrol in the area, and the suspect was arrested soon after.

The alleged attack led to a confrontation between two groups of youths at Pier Approach, with extra police officers being called in to deal with the matter.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said the arrested man was later released on bail.

He said: “Officers – who received the report directly as they were on foot patrol in the immediate vicinity – responded, and it was reported that a man had sexually assaulted a teenage girl by touching her inappropriately.

“Officers were in the area as part of their enhanced patrols of the Bournemouth town center and beach area. We will continue to work with our partners to provide a visible presence in the vicinity.

“Police will be engaging with members of the public and can be approached by anyone with information or concerns.”

No arrests were made as part of the disturbance that followed.