Dorset Police news site

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward as they investigate a report of a rape in Bournemouth.

Dorset Police received a report at 1.57am on Sunday 6 July 2025 that a woman aged in her late teens was reportedly raped in a public toilet near to Undercliff Drive.

Officers attended and following fast-time enquiries, a 31-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of rape. He remains in police custody at this time.

Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of the Dorset Police Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: “We believe that this incident occurred at around 1.15am on Sunday 6 July 2025.

“We are investigating thoroughly as we seek to establish the full circumstances of what happened, and we are appealing for any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please come forward.

“In particular, from our enquiries we understand that a man and a woman were walking a brown, mid-sized dog along the beach and promenade before walking up the zig-zag path towards East Cliff at the time of the incident.

“Furthermore, a man in dark clothing carrying a backpack was also walking towards Bournemouth Pier past the zig-zag path towards East Cliff during the time of the incident.

“The victim also interacted with a group of people a short while after the reported rape took place at the bottom of the Toft Zig Zag path.

“We would be very keen to speak to these individuals as witnesses, as they may have information to assist our enquiries.

“A police cordon, which has since been stood down, was put in place as enquiries were conducted at the scene and there will be an increased police presence in the area. Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.

“Specialist officers are also continuing to support the victim and keeping her updated as the investigation progresses.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250097668. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.