DORSET Police and BCP Council say they are “committed” to tackling seafront sex assaults in Bournemouth through increased training and patrols.

It comes after concern from residents following repeated reports of alleged sexual assaults and rapes on Bournemouth beach through the summer months.

On August 12 it was reported that two 16-year-old girls were sexually assaulted by a group of men while sat on inflatable lilos in the sea.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and was released on police bail.

Sophie Sajic, BCP Council’s head of public protection said: “Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is committed to working in partnership across communities and businesses to ensure that the region remains a safe and secure place for people to work, live and relax.

“We have a range of teams that work closely together to support safety on our beaches, this includes the RNLI, seafront rangers, Dorset Police and our CSAS team. If anyone feels unsafe whilst at the beach they can approach any of these staff for help.

“We liaise with Dorset Police to ensure our community safety officers are present at peak times at the seafront through the summer holidays, when visitor numbers are highest.

“We would urge anyone with information that might assist the police’s investigations to contact them immediately at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

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Gabriel Marinoaica, 20 and of West Midlands, was jailed earlier this year after being convicted of dragging a 15-year-old girl out to sea and raping her in the water at Bournemouth beach.

A freedom of information request revealed that Dorset Police received 143 reports of sexual assault in Bournemouth in 2022 compared with 120 reports in 2021.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Through our 100 Days of Summer initiative, we work with our local partners to ensure there is a visible presence on the seafront during the summer months.

“We carry out increased high visibility patrols to engage with the public, offer reassurance and respond rapidly to any reported crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We work collaboratively with the beach rangers and other partners to offer immediate help and support for anyone with safety concerns. RNLI lifeguards and staff can also be approached, with their beach towers serving as a safe place to address concerns or seek further help.

“Through the community safety partnership, we have also supported additional training for our partners, such as beach and seafront rangers, resulting in increased awareness of such offences and our joint response.

“Anyone who is the victim of an offence or witnesses any suspicious activity can approach officers with the information. Alternatively, they can report it by visiting www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, please dial 999.”