Man Arrested After Teenager Raped on Bournemouth Seafront Amidst Safety Concerns

A 31-year-old man has been taken into custody following the reported rape of a teenage girl in a public restroom on Bournemouth seafront. Police responded to a call at approximately 1:57 am on Sunday, near Undercliff Drive, between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers. The incident involved a woman in her late teens. The suspect, a Bournemouth resident, remains in police custody. The victim is receiving support from specialized officers.

Detectives initiated an investigation, and a cordon was established in the area on Sunday. Dorset Police announced increased patrols in the area and encouraged anyone with concerns to speak to an officer.

This incident follows other recent reports of crime in Bournemouth. Last week, six individuals were arrested after a large fight near the Victorian pier. A teenage girl and two police officers sustained injuries during the altercation. Following the disorder, police were granted additional dispersal powers. Chief Superintendent Helen Dixey stated that violence in the town would not be tolerated, emphasizing the importance of safety for families visiting the beaches.

Earlier this year, Bournemouth's first female MP, Jessica Toale, raised concerns about women's safety in the town. Speaking on International Women's Day, she noted that safety is a significant concern for many women, impacting their use of the town. While Bournemouth is statistically considered one of the safer towns in the UK, it has the highest crime rate in Dorset, with 83 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023, exceeding the county average by 36%.