AN investigation will take place after a police officer used pepper spray on a group of teenagers.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the incident took place in November last year outside McDonalds in Somerford Road, Christchurch. It was alleged that the officer in question was bitten while trying to disperse the group, which was said to have been abusive to restaurant staff.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "A complaint has been received in relation to the officer involved in the incident.

"Now that criminal proceedings are no longer active, the complaint will be considered by the professional standards department. We are unable to comment further at this time."

A 15-year-old local girl was arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm to a police officer, however due to her age she was "de-arrested" at the time, the force said.

"The matter has been resolved by way of an out-of-court disposal and she has been issued with a youth caution," said the spokesman.

"The girl and her parents met with the youth offending team and the incident was resolved through community resolution."

Between June 1 and November 30 last year, police received reports of 41 incidents of anti-social behaviour in Somerford Road, 19 related to incidents at or just outside McDonalds.