KNOWN trouble-makers were spotted near Sandbanks during police patrols last night.

The groups of teenagers were spotted in the Canford Cliffs area and were dispersed by officers.

Officers were patrolling the area as part of Operation Sandman, set up to tackle increasing anti-social behaviour in Sandbanks.

A spokesman for Poole police said: "There were groups of teenagers in the vicinity of Canford Cliffs around 9pm. Some known trouble makers from Bournemouth were recognised and spoken to. There was the potential for disorder later in the evening as a result of their presence.

Man in hospital with serious injuries after fight in Sandbanks

"Due to effective targeting by Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, groups were disrupted and dispersed."

Police were supported by officers from the Dorset Police traffic department who dealt with a number of motoring offences.

Operation Sandman was set up after a man was "glassed" and two police officers were injured in a large fight in the car park of Tesco Express in Shore Road on Thursday April 1.

Police have also been targetting groups of boy racers who gather in the man car park at Sandbanks.