Appeal for information following racially aggravated assault in Bournemouth

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following a report of a racially aggravated assault in Bournemouth town centre.

It was reported that shortly before 4pm on Monday 27 April 2026 two friends were by a bus stop at the junction between Gervis Place and Westover Road when a man approached and was racially abusive towards them.

The man then returned a short time later with four other men and a large dog.

One of the friends, a man aged in his 20s, was assaulted and threatened by the group. Fortunately he did not sustain any serious injuries.

The offenders are described as being aged 35 to 40 and were wearing shorts and no tops.

Sergeant Laura Hobson, of Dorset Police, said: “We are investigating this incident, which took place during a busy time in the town centre with a number of members of the public present.

“We would urge anyone who witnessed the assault or captured any relevant footage to please make contact with us.

“Dorset Police takes all reports of hate crime very seriously and we will be carrying out a thorough investigation into this matter.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260060149. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.