THIS is the moment a youth mob charges around Bournemouth beach, chasing and beating a man.
Police said officers were assaulted in the fray, as footage shows a huge crowd gathered on the sandy shore Tuesday evening.
Dorset Police said yesterday it was dealing with disorder involving a large number of people on Bournemouth beach in the area of Undercliff Drive.
The sweeping coastline has been rammed with beachgoers for the past few days enjoying the sweltering bank holiday heatwave.
Dramatic scenes unfolded near the iconic pier at around 6pm as youths chased a man through crowds before kicking and punching him to the ground.
Bournemouth local Alex, who was out for a walk, captured the chaos on video after spotting hundreds of youths running across the packed seafront.
He told The Sun: “They were kicking him in the head and punching him multiple times.
“Someone stomped on his head and another person drop-kicked him.
“It was absolute chaos.”
Tensions were running high at the beauty spot amid sweltering temperatures, as the UK recorded its hottest May day on record.
The Bournemouth local said around 60 youths surrounded police officers.
He added: “They surrounded the police and started throwing stuff.
“It was like mob mentality.”
The witness said he saw officers drag the victim away toward the promenade before more youths swarmed the area.
He said: “Five officers caught up with the guy and tried protecting him.
“Then all these youths surrounded them. It just got crazier and crazier.”
Officers were at the scene with helicopter assistance, making arrests and dispersing the crowd.
Around 35 officers were sent to the beach as back up and formed a cordon around Pier Approach to try and control the situation.
More footage showed many police officers in high-vis vests manning the area on the seafront, with some areas reportedly blocked off to the public.
It has been reported that officers were assaulted in the melee.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “I would like to thank the law-abiding members of the public for their support, but I am sending a clear message to those who are intent on causing harm or using violence to leave the vicinity.
“There will be a large police presence in the area while we seek to keep the public and our officers safe.
“We have commenced an investigation into the disorder and we will continue to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“I would also like to thank our officers for their professional and courageous actions during this incident.”
Dorset’s police and crime commissioner David Sidwick has also issued a comment after tonight’s incident.
He said: “I want to make clear that those involved in violence and criminality will be dealt with robustly.”
Meanwhile, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has issued a statement condemning “antisocial behaviour and criminality”.
It said: “We are aware of the incident on Bournemouth beach this evening and are working closely with Dorset Police to support their response.
“Incidents like this are taken extremely seriously, and we take a joined-up approach to antisocial behaviour and criminality, working alongside agencies to share intelligence, act quickly and target issues when they arise.
“While the overwhelming majority of people enjoy our coastline responsibly, incidents do occur.
“We’re grateful to the police for their swift action this evening and their dedication to keep residents, businesses and visitors safe.”
Scenes of chaos were reported up and down the country this weekend as the scorching sun saw beaches and bars rammed and disorder going rife.
On Monday night, a teenage boy was stabbed after a large fight reportedly broke out on Brighton beach.
Footage shared on social media showed crowds of people packed outside Shelter Hall on the popular beach for Bank Holiday Monday.
