A BOURNEMOUTH bank was forced to close following an assault.

NatWest in the town centre was closed due to reports of a security incident.

Dorset Police received a report at 3.29om of an assault that occurred at the NatWest Bank in Old Christchurch Road.

A witness said: “The police were in the bank for around twenty minutes, and then a little old lady was escorted out in handcuffs.”

Officers attended the incident, and a woman aged in her 60s was detained and removed from the area.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Enquiries into the circumstances of this incident are ongoing.”

A notice tapped on the bank's door read: “Due to a security incident, we have had to close the branch for the rest of today.

“We will reopen at 9.20am on Tuesday, May 20, 2024.”