Appeal for witnesses following reported public order incident in Dorchester

Officers investigating a report of racially aggravated public order in Dorchester town centre are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

It is reported that at around 4pm on Saturday 25 October 2025, a man was sitting on a bench in South Street shouting racially aggravated abuse at members of the public.

Officers attended and a 56-year-old man of no fixed abode was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and being drunk and disorderly in a public place. He has been released on police bail while the investigation continues.

Police Constable Steve Pratt, of Dorset Police, said: “We quickly attended the scene and an arrest was made.

“From our early enquiries, we understand that abuse may have been shouted at around five passing members of the public. At this time, we have not spoken to these people and would urge them to please come forward so we can take their account of what happened.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone else who was in the area and may have witnessed or heard the alleged verbal abuse.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250158291. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.