Police officers have been assaulted on a UK beach. Footage posted online shows Dorset Police responders trying to control a large crowd of people in Bournemouth on Tuesday on a day that saw a record-breaking May temperature. Law-abiding citizens were enjoying the sunshine, but police were allegedly attacked in the evening. The force has said it will bring those pruportedly responsible to justice following the disturbance.

Dorset Police said at 8.10pm: “We are currently dealing with disorder involving a large number of people on Bournemouth beach in the area of Undercliff Drive. Officers are at the scene, with assistance from the NPAS helicopter, and we are making arrests and working to disperse those involved. It has been reported that officers have been assaulted and we would like to make it extremely clear that this behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “I would like to thank the law-abiding members of the public for their support, but I am sending a clear message to those who are intent on causing harm or using violence to leave the vicinity.

“There will be a large police presence in the area while we seek to keep the public and our officers safe.

“We have commenced an investigation into the disorder and we will continue to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“I would also like to thank our officers for their professional and courageous actions during this incident.”