A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of raping a teenage woman in a public toilet at Bournemouth Beach in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Dorset Police received a report at approximately 1:57am on July 7, 2025, that a woman in her late teens had been sexually assaulted in toilet facilities on Undercliff Drive, between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers.
The suspect, a Bournemouth resident, was taken into custody and remains under arrest as detectives launch a detailed investigation into the incident.
Victim Support and Investigation
Specialist officers are currently providing support to the victim as the investigation proceeds. A police cordon was established on Sunday to allow forensic teams to examine the scene thoroughly.
The incident occurred in an area that runs along the beach, sheltered by low cliffsides, in what is typically one of Britain’s most popular seaside destinations.
Dorset Police confirmed they have increased patrols in the area following the attack. “Officers are carrying out increased patrols in the area and we would encourage anyone with concerns to please speak with an officer,” a force spokesperson said.
Safety Concerns at Popular Resort
The assault raises renewed concerns about safety at the popular tourist destination, which attracts millions of visitors annually to its seven miles of sandy beaches.
Despite being statistically one of the safer towns in the UK, Bournemouth has the highest crime rate in Dorset, according to recent data.
Labour’s Jessica Toale, Bournemouth’s first female MP, had previously voiced concerns about women’s safety in the town during an International Women’s Day event in March.
Experiences of Bournemouth town centre vary widely, but what is clear is that for many women, safety is a huge concern,” Toale said. “At best, women are having to change when and how they use [the town] and at worst, they are avoiding it altogether.”
She added: “Statistically speaking, Bournemouth is one of the safer towns in the UK, but I fully appreciate that it does not always feel that way.”
Recent Incidents
The latest assault follows several high-profile cases at Bournemouth Beach in recent years. In April 2024, Gabriel Marinoaica, 20, was jailed for six and a half years for raping a 15-year-old girl in the sea off Bournemouth Beach in July 2021.
In that case, Judge Susan Evans KC called the daytime attack “brazen,” noting it had undermined the public’s sense of safety on busy beaches.
The incident also comes just days after a major disturbance at the beach last weekend. Three teenage girls and a 35-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of affray in connection with an incident at Lower Gardens, while a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker near Pier Approach.
Following those incidents, Dorset Police implemented a dispersal order covering the seafront area and other locations in Bournemouth town centre.
Community Response
The attack has prompted concerns from local residents and regular beachgoers about safety at the resort. One woman recently posted on social media about experiencing inappropriate touching while swimming in the sea off Bournemouth, highlighting ongoing safety issues in the water.
The incident has occurred during peak summer season when the beach typically attracts thousands of visitors daily, including families with children.
Police Appeal
While the investigation continues, police are likely to appeal for witnesses who may have been in the area during the early hours of Sunday morning.
The arrest represents a rapid response by Dorset Police, who have faced criticism in the past over beach safety following previous incidents.
As the summer season continues, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure the safety of visitors to one of Britain’s most popular coastal destinations, particularly during nighttime hours when fewer people are present to deter criminal behavior.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Dorset Police.
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