COMMUNITY figures in West Bay, Bridport have rubbished reports in a national newspaper that people are flocking to the areas to engage in public sex or 'dogging'.

A report in today's Sun newspaper suggested the 'seaside haven where crime drama Broadchurch is filmed' was being 'flooded' by fans of outdoor sex, quoting messages on internet forums about how the cliffs and beaches of West Bay see 'lots of great action' from those engaging in public sex.

The number of social media pages and specialist websites for public sex fans is reported to be increasing, but local figures say they have not seen any increase in incidents or discussion about such activities.

Rev. Philip Ringer, vice-chairman of Churches Together in Bridport, said: “I have to say, [the question has] taken me completely by surprise. I currently haven't been told of anything, nothing that's been reported to me.

“I'm sure anything of that nature would have been mentioned to me in my conversations with police.”

He added: “I don't know that West Bay is the area for it. I'm sure the Sun has been [exaggerating] a bit. I think there is an agenda being worked out there, I would ignore it.”

Kim Hagley, manager of The George pub and hotel in West Bay, said they have not noticed 'anything unusual going on' either.

Insp. Mike Darby of Bridport Police said: “We know of a number of sites locally where people are sometimes engaged in [public sex]. The term we used for these areas is a public sex environment. However, we are not aware of any abnormal increase in people engaging in these activities, or of it taking place in other locations.”

According to the law, having sex in public is not a specific offence, but those engaging in these kinds of activities can be prosecuted for indecent exposure or for causing harm or distress to members of the public who may witness these acts.

Insp. Darby added: “We want to stop any public indecency which causes distress or upset to the community. If people witness these activities and want to report them, please contact us on 101.”