A NEW coronavirus testing site was due to open in Dorset - but was cancelled after members of staff faced threats of violence from a group gathering outside.

A Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) had been due to open in Stour Meadows car park in Blandford on April 4, 5, and 7.

However, police had to be called to site on Sunday April 4 after staff faced threats of violence from a group of young people.

The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the testing facility was then also cancelled for the further two planned dates as a result.

The DHSC is running the MTUs and said that it is still assessing its options for future deployment of another MTU in the area.

An MTU staff member, who asked not be named, said: "Our team opened up the unit and kids started running around the site, which they're not allowed to do and, after being told that they should leave parents turned up with dogs and started intimidating staff.

"They were being very very aggressive. We have had minor instances now and again, but I have never experienced anything like that.

"Police came and started escorting the team off the site.

"We shouldn't have to be putting up with that kind of abuse we are trying to to provide an important service."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a call at 11.28am on Sunday April 4 to a report of anti-social behaviour at the Covid-19 testing site in Stour Meadows car park in Blandford. It was reported that a group of young people were being abusive to staff and a man was entering the site.

"Officers attended and gave words of advice to those involved."

Those in the Blandford Area can still access Covid-19 tests through a number of testing sites and via home testing kits.

A spokesman for the DHSC said: "This kind of unwarranted behaviour towards NHS Test and Trace staff is abhorrent. They are performing work that is crucial to stop the spread of Covid-19 and helping us all return to a more normal way of life."