A MAN was chased, kicked, punched and nearly hit by vehicle after being attacked by a group of teenagers at Poole Bus Station.

Four teenage boys have been sentenced at court in connection with the disturbance at the travel hub.

The four youngsters – aged 13, 14, 16 and 17 and all from Poole – appeared at Poole Youth Court on Tuesday, March 3, and admitted an offence of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence.

PC Chris Lee, of Poole police, said: “We are well aware of public concern relating to issues surrounding anti-social behaviour at Poole bus station and Dorset Police is committed to working with our partners to reduce problems in the area.

“I am pleased that through our investigation into this incident we were able to identify the teenagers involved so they could be brought before the court.

“I hope this case demonstrates that any youngsters causing issues in the area can face the prospect of a court appearance and criminal conviction.”

Dorset Police reported that around 5pm on Monday, November 25, a group of teenagers became involved in a verbal altercation with a man aged in his 30s at Poole bus station.

The man was chased across the bus station and the 13-year-old defendant confronted the victim before pushing him in the back, causing the man to go into the road and into the path of an oncoming vehicle, which had to swerve to avoid him.

The 14-year-old defendant then threw a traffic cone at the victim, who picked it up and walked back to the pavement.

The man was then repeatedly kicked and punched during a physical altercation before security staff from the Dolphin Centre intervened and police were called.

The victim did not suffer any serious injuries that required hospital treatment.

Following enquiries by officers, members of the group were identified and subsequently attended police interviews.

The 13-year-old and the 16-year-old defendants were sentenced to six-month youth referral orders which include a three-month curfew requirement. The 14-year-old boy was sentenced to a nine-month referral order with a three-month curfew and the 17-year-old was given an eight-month referral order.

As well as the four who were sentenced at court, a fifth teenager – aged 14 and from Poole – was also issued with a youth caution for an offence of affray.