Dorset
An elderly man has escaped a serious property fire that devastated a flat on Chickerell Road in Weymouth.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 12:30pm, after reports of a fire inside the property. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service quickly mobilised two crews from Weymouth and Portland, who were sent to tackle the blaze. Firefighters arrived to find significant damage within the flat, with the fire believed to have […]
Greenhill Rafts Shelved for 2026 as Safety Concerns Prompt Review
The future of the much-loved swimming rafts at Greenhill Beach has been put on hold after Weymouth Town Council agreed not to reinstall them for the 2026 season. The decision follows what councillors described as “careful consideration” of legal advice from a specialist health and safety firm. Based on that guidance, the council’s committee accepted […]
Arrest Made Following Reported Serious Assault in Weymouth
A teenager has been arrested in connection with a reported serious assault in Weymouth, following what police have described as extensive and ongoing investigations. Officers from Dorset Police were called at 9.16pm on Thursday 16 April 2026 to reports that a 19-year-old man had been assaulted near the junction of Dorchester Road and Melcombe Avenue. […]
Speeding in Dorset: What the Latest Police Data Really Shows
If you’ve ever felt like speed cameras are everywhere in Dorset, the data suggests you’re not imagining it. A recent Freedom of Information release from Dorset Police lifts the lid on just how widespread speeding enforcement has become—and what actually happens after you’re caught. The scale of the problem Let’s start with the headline: tens […]
Investigators Back National Action Plan to Strengthen Support for Stalking Victims
Dorset Police has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the response to stalking as national efforts gather pace to better protect victims and address offender behaviour. Marking Stalking Awareness Week, the force is highlighting both national progress and local initiatives aimed at tackling what is widely recognised as a complex and high-risk crime. The renewed focus […]
Reminder to Employers: Permits Required for Young Workers
Dorset Council is reminding local employers of the legal requirement to obtain a permit before employing young people aged between 13 and 15/16. The law applies to all young people from the age of 13 until the last Friday in June of Year 11, when they are aged 15 or 16. During this period, any […]
Students offered antibiotics after meningitis B cases confirmed in Weymouth
Students from schools across Weymouth are today being offered antibiotics and vaccinations following confirmed cases of meningitis B, health officials have said. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed three cases in total — two linked to Budmouth Academy and one at Wey Valley School. As a precautionary measure, all pupils in years 7 […]
Two Men Charged Following Coordinated Drug Warrants in Ferndown
Two men have been charged and are due to appear in court after police carried out coordinated drug raids in the Ferndown area. Officers from Dorset Police executed two warrants on the morning of Friday 10 April 2026 at adjoining addresses along Ringwood Road in Longham, near Ferndown. The operation was led by the local […]
Dorset Police Inspector Dismissed for Misconduct
Detective Inspector Mark Portelli has been sacked without notice and placed on the national police barred list following a public misconduct hearing, after a panel found he attempted to exploit his rank to influence door staff and junior colleagues during an off-duty incident. A serving Dorset Police detective inspector has been dismissed without notice after […]
Unauthorised music event near East Lulworth dispersed following police action
Officers from Dorset Police have successfully dispersed an unauthorised music event near East Lulworth following sustained and robust intervention. The incident was first reported at approximately 11.45pm on Saturday 4 April 2026. It is believed that around 2,000 people attended the gathering, with more than 100 vehicles present in the surrounding area. Police remained on-site […]