RESOURCES are being stepped-up across BCP after a girl was raped in the water off Bournemouth beach.

Bournemouth Police and BCP Council have announced that they will be increasing high-visibility patrols across the beach in the following days and months.

The victim, a 15-year-old girl, was with her friends - on Sunday, July 18 - playing with a ball when it landed in front of a teenage boy.

The boy eventually threw it back to one of the group and then began talking to the victim, before pulling her out deeper into the sea where it is reported that he raped her.

Neighbourhood inspector Darren Harris, of Bournemouth Police, said: “I would like to praise the bravery of the victim in coming forward to report this incident to us. Officers are continuing to provide support to the victim and her family and will do all they can to help her throughout this very difficult time.

“I fully understand and appreciate that this incident may cause public concern.

“A detailed and extensive investigation is underway into the incident, led by detectives from our Major Crime Investigation Team.

“Local officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols in the area of the beach in the coming days and this will continue throughout the summer months.

“I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to please speak to a member of their neighbourhood policing team while they are out on patrol or contact them via the Dorset Police website.

“We would like to reassure our communities that we have strengthened our working practices with our partner agencies to collaboratively step up resources in town centres via additional police patrols.”

The council have also issued a statement regarding their dedication to public safety and have stepped up their summer response plan to ensure our beaches are a safe place to be.

Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Councillor May Haines, said: “I commend the courage of the victim of this appalling attack for coming forward and bringing this incident to Dorset Police’s attention, who are in the process of investigating it.

“I understand there has been a significant amount of concern about public safety during this time, especially with us approaching the peak of the summer season.

“To provide some reassurance, our seafront enforcement and security teams, as well as Dorset Police, who we are working with this season, have stepped up their operation as part of the Summer Response plan and are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of the community.

“We stress that anyone who is concerned or would like any support, can approach any of our seafront, security or RNLI staff or seek a safe space within the RNLI towers on the beaches.”

The police urge anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information to please contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210115587. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.