A GROUP of several dozen youths was dispersed from a Poole beach by police.

Poole Police were alerted to the situation at Canford Cliffs beach by CCTV camera operators on the evening of Friday, May 14.

Officers attended the scene as part of the ongoing Operation Sandman.

Alongside breaking up the group, alcohol was seized and binned.

The force said gatherings such as this are still not permitted by the current Covid rules.

The neighbourhood policing team will be monitoring the area, as well as west towards Sandbanks, throughout the summer.

A spokesperson for Poole Police said: "As part of multi agency Op Sandman our friends in the BCP Council CCTV room called Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team officers to Canford Cliffs beach.

"A group of around 40 youths were dispersed and a quantity of alcohol disposed of. Covid regulations are still in place. Large gatherings are not permitted at this time.

"Furthermore, Canford Cliffs beach exits out into a residential area. As such this location will continue to be targeted by Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team throughout the summer of 2021 and west to the peninsula.

"Our friends in the CCTV room work 24 hours. Always watching."