A POLICE officer who warned that crime could increase if Townsend Primary School closed was complained about to his boss by the leader of Bournemouth council.

PC Mike Lowther emailed councillors on behalf of the community police officers in Townsend, saying he was concerned crime and antisocial behaviour on the estate could increase if the primary school closed.

Less than an hour after the email was sent, council leader Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin emailed Chief Superintendant Bob Boulton asking the police not to get involved in council decisions.

Cllr MacLoughlin wrote: "Surely his status as a police officer means he should avoid being involved in any council decision, particularly one which is so party political?

"I am not comfortable with this approach from Dorset Police over a matter of public policy. How would Dorset Police feel if Bournemouth Borough Council publicly called on you to change your policing policies?"

PC Lowther has policed Townsend for six years and said in his email that he felt part of the community.

He said working with the school had helped him get to know the community and prevent crime.

He added that getting to know the children when they were at school prevented crime and allowed the police to relay social messages such as racial awareness.

In his email he wrote: "Antisocial behaviour and crime are down. What effect will the closure of the school have upon this? I think the effect will be substantial."

He was also concerned about children's safety when travelling to schools that are further away.

The contents of the email were revealed after a request by the Daily Echo under the Freedom of Information Act.