POLICE were "run ragged" with alcohol-fuelled crime as pubs were opened for the first weekend in months.

Bournemouth police said they dealt with "plenty of alcohol-related issues" over the weekend, including a fight in the Lower Gardens which left a 17-year-old boy injured after being hit with a glass bottle.

PC Joel Brooks of Bournemouth police said: "We've all been run ragged" and described booking young people into custody.

He added: "This is definitely a depressing experience and as an organisation we will try every other method of dealing with someone to keep young people out of the criminal justice system. Sadly, occasionally, the offences are serious enough that we have no option."

He said police have joined forces with youth services, BCP Council, social services and security companies to launch Operation Fireglow to tackle anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder in the town centre, gardens and seafront.

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"This is a multi agency approach to dealing with the issue of young people and alcohol related issues. By pooling these agencies together we can hopefully safeguard young people and prevent any offences."

Police continue to appeal for witnesses to the Lower Gardens attack, which took place at 11.13pm on Friday.

A 16-year-old local boy was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Detective Constable Neil Causebrook, of Bournemouth CID, said: "I am aware that there were a number of people in the gardens at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police to please come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55210080666, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers lie on 0800 555 111.