EMERGENCY access gates at two seafront locations were blocked by people parking their cars in front of them

Officers from Poole's Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have pleaded with drivers to not be “selfish” after access gates at both the Jazz Café in Shore Road and Branksome Chine were blocked for parts of Sunday, July 17.

A Poole Police spokesperson said: “It is crucial this does not happen. Emergency access is required 24 hours a day.

“There are frequently medical episodes, missing children and other emergency matters that require us to get through. Minutes waiting for drivers to return to their vehicle, can be minutes lost in the fight for a life.

Bournemouth Echo: Emergency access gate outside Jazz Café in Shore Road, PooleEmergency access gate outside Jazz Café in Shore Road, Poole

“Please don't be selfish and block these gates.”

Officers also dealt with a report of a man in a discreet location taking photographs with a long lens camera. The man was located and, upon conversing with officers, it was found that “nothing untoward” had taken place.

The spokesperson added: “Thanks to the member of public who alerted us to this. It is important we know and check to make sure everything is okay. This is exactly why it’s so crucial we patrol the promenades during the peak of summer.”