A MISSING child and a theft were just some of the incidents dealt with by an officer patrolling the seafront.

Bournemouth Police officer Dylan was conducting foot patrols along Bournemouth beach on Sunday afternoon as part of the ‘Beach Beat’ scheme.

As well as racking up an impressive 21,000 steps and chatting with beach-goers, he dealt with a number of incidents.

He assisted with the search of a missing child on the beach, who was found safe and well, and conducted a welfare check on a baby, passing safeguarding advice to the parents.

He also helped with a beached water craft and assisted officers with a theft where he detained and searched a possible offender.

Beach Beat, running until September 8, targets Bournemouth beach with a focus on the pier, east to the East Cliff zig zag and west to Durley Chine.

Foot patrols for Beach Beat are undertaken by uniformed and plain-clothed officers and PCSOs every day during the summer.