POLICE called to deal with large parties at university accommodation arrested one person and reported a further 12 for breach of coronavirus rules.

Officers received several reports of parties involving more than 20 people at an address in Oxford Road, Bournemouth, just around the corner from Bournemouth police station.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "During the evening of Saturday October 17 Dorset Police received a number of reports of parties involving over 20 people at an address in Oxford Road in Bournemouth. Officers attended and it was reported that they had to deal with public disorder at the location.

"As a result of the incident 11 men, aged between 18 and 21, and one 18-year-old woman have been reported for breach of COVID-19 regulations. An 18-year-old man has also been arrested for obstructing police and is helping officers with their enquiries."

The spokesman said Dorset Police wants to work with communities and in most incidents the approach is to engage, explain the rules and encourage compliance.

"However, deliberate flouting of the rules and putting other people's lives in danger will not be tolerated and in those situations enforcement will be used. Everyone has a social responsibility to stick within the rules to prevent the further spread of the virus.

"Officers will conduct increased patrols in the area and will work with the university in an effort to prevent breaches of current regulations."