THE SHOCKING extent of crime and violence around Poole's 'war-zone' bus station can be revealed after figures showed that the interchange saw more than 60 offences recorded for the first three months of this year.

Since January 1 there have been 28 reported incidents of anti-social behaviour as well as 15 crimes of either violence or of a sexual nature. On average, there was an offence committed every other day although figures for March show 35 offences recorded - more than one every day.

Offences involving weapons have been reported, as well as those involving theft and drugs.

The figures back up claims made as far back as October last year, that behaviour at the station was 'appalling'.

In one incident in March gangs of teenagers ran riot, leaving one man with a fractured eye socket.

Police were called on Saturday, March 23, after scuffles broke out between a group of around 20 youths, a bus driver and a passenger.

Witnesses said the children had been running through the bus station throwing loyalty cards and sugar sachets, taken from the Subway restaurant, at one another.

Three young girls were given tough ASBO-style orders at a youth court in early March – and all were ordered to stay away from Poole's bus station.

The youths – who are aged 12, 14 and 16 – have been ordered to comply with a series of restrictions as part of the orders.

Other reports claimed youths trashed the KFC restaurant and threw 'missiles' at members of the public.

Only yesterday police put out a CCTV appeal for more information about a bus passenger who punched a man in the face after he asked him to stop swearing.

On Wednesday May 1, the victim – a local man aged in his 50s – was travelling on the M1 More Bus from Bournemouth to the bus station in Poole when he became aware of a man speaking loudly on the phone and swearing, said police.

"Aware there were a number of families and children on board, the victim asked the suspect to keep his voice down and not to swear.

"At 3.29pm the bus arrived at the station and as the victim got off he was confronted by the suspect who threatened him and then punched him on the left side of his face. The suspect then ran off toward the Dolphin Centre.

PC Riona Hanley, of Poole police, said: “This was an unpleasant and unprovoked assault. As part of my investigation I have been able to obtain CCTV images of the suspect and I would urge anyone who recognises him to please contact Dorset Police.”