Fears Over More Fights In Swanage

Detectives investigating an alleged assault in Swanage are renewing their appeal for witnesses and information – with officers urging local parents to be vigilant following reports that a small number of young men may be planning further altercations in the town.

At approximately 1.15am on Sunday 1 January 2012 officers received a report of a fight at the arcade near the Mowlem Theatre on Shore Road. When officers arrived at the scene they found that three teenage boys had suffered injuries – one of these boys suffered a serious head injury.

He was taken to Poole Hospital and was later transferred to the neurological unit at Southampton Hospital.

A 17-year-old boy from Lytchett Matravers has been arrested and bailed while police make further enquiries.

Detectives continue to deal with the investigation, assisted by Purbeck Safer Neighbourhood Teams, and are following up any information that is provided to them, however minor it appears.

Sergeant Jon Wasey, of the Wareham Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Information has been received that a small number of young men may be planning to seek retribution, however at this time this cannot be confirmed. Any information regarding this possibility will be followed up and robust action will be taken to deal with any such incidents if they do occur. 

“I would appeal to parents to assist Dorset Police in reducing any risk by advising their children as to the consequences of teenagers taking matters into their own hands – reckless and irresponsible behaviour will not achieve anything. 

“Any information regarding the alleged assault or any planned disorder should be passed to the police to further assist the investigation."
Detective Inspector Stewart Dipple added: "From our enquiries, we know there were a large number of young people on the seafront by the blue shelter on Shore Road at the time of this serious incident. 

“We are directly appealing to these young people to speak to police if they witnessed this incident which has left three teenagers with injuries. 

“Equally, if anyone has heard any information while at school or college – or on social networking sites – about those responsible, I’d urge them to inform police and this will be investigated.”

The 16-year-old boy, from Swanage, remains in hospital in Southampton where his condition is described as serious but stable.

Anyone who witnessed this incident, or anyone who has any information that may assist the investigation, should contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident 1:202 or Crime stoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.