POLICE have issued a warning following an anti-social behaviour incident which saw teenagers throwing objects from a Christchurch cliff top.

The incident took place on Wednesday evening at Steamer Point and it is reported a group of three youths were seen throwing branches, logs and rocks off the cliff and onto the path below.

A member of the neighbourhood police team said this could have caused a serious injury and called on the youths to consider the consequences of their actions.

The youths were spotted by a concerned resident who was out walking their dog, saw the youngsters and warned others on the coastal path to be cautious.

While they manned the beach, another walker went up to confront the youths.

The police were contacted about the incident and at this point the youths left the scene. The resident shared a warning about the anti-social behaviour on Facebook, describing the “scary” incident which saw the teenagers throwing “massive logs”.

Mudeford and Friars Cliff ward councillor Trevor Watts told the Daily Echo he would raise the subject at the next residents’ association meeting and discuss concerns around anti-social behaviour with Cllr Bernie Davis, who attends outside bodies related to crime and policing.

“Any anti-social behaviour, of any kind is totally unacceptable,” Cllr Watts said. “If police were called they will have it logged as a crime matter and will be carrying out appropriate neighbourhood investigations.

“Doing anything like this can result in an accident and I do not understand why people do this.

“I would like to thank the vigilant resident who brought this to the attention of police. We do not get anti-social behaviour throughout the year in this area.

“Normally there is some minor stuff with a few kids at the start of their summer break down on the beach, but that is very isolated.”

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 5.29pm on Wednesday, February 7 to reports of three youths throwing rocks from the cliff top at Steamer Point Nature Reserve in Highcliffe. Officers did attend and the area was searched, but there was no sign of the youths.”

PCSO Dave Carmichael said: “This kind of behaviour could easily have resulted in a serious injury and we would urge youngsters to think about the possible consequences of their actions. "Anyone found responsible for such offences will face appropriate police action.”

The incident is less than half a mile from the former Pinebeach Nursing Home, which has been subjected to a spate of anti-social behaviour since closing in 2015.