THREE boys have been arrested following a spate of criminal damage in Bournemouth which led to officers seizing an axe and metal poles.

Police were called to residential areas near Iford on Wednesday evening following a report of a group of young people in possession of a sledgehammer.

Further reports of criminal damage on vehicles were made to Dorset Police and searches were conducted by officers, including at King's Park.

A spokeswoman for the force confirmed that three boys were arrested and are assisting officers with their enquiries.

A12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, going equipped for theft and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. A second 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, going equipped for theft and having an article with intent to destroy or damage property. He was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency services worker.

Police confirmed that a 12-year-old girl from Bournemouth was also due to attend a voluntary police interview.

The Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "Dorset Police was called at 9.15pm on Wednesday, December 2 to a report of a group of young people in possession of a sledgehammer on Durrington Road in Bournemouth.

"Officers attended and carried out a search of the area.

"Further reports were received during the evening of criminal damage to vehicles on Petersfield Road, Warnford Road, Swanmore Road and Castlemain Avenue."

She added: "An axe and metal poles were located nearby to some of the reportedly damaged vehicles and seized.

"If any members of the community have any concerns following this incident, please make contact with your local neighbourhood policing team."

Littledown and Iford ward councillor Bobbie Dove told the Daily Echo: "This is an isolated situation and it’s important to reassure residents that all partner agencies will continue to work together to ensure that our streets are safe, harmonious and free from anti-social behaviour for all residents living across the BCP area.

"My sincerest thanks go to the police for their continued hard work with respect of this incident."

Cllr Dove added: "I think this started very quickly and developed over a couple of nights and the police acted most proactively and swiftly and stopped it.

"This is a really good example of residents, councillors, the administration and the police working together to bring about a swift outcome.

"The most important thing is that everything is reported. There is the 101 reporting service, which can be done via the police website. This means officers and the administration can continue to monitor trends and areas of difficulty.

"If people report it, we can act swiftly as we have in this case."