Residents verbally abused in Christchurch underpass

Concerned residents have described re-occurring ‘abusive’ and ‘intimidating’ behaviour by individuals in the underpass that links Bargates to the high street.

Three separate incidents of the antisocial behaviour have been reported to the police, all taking place within the last month.

Dorset Police have said they are aware of the individuals involved, and that they are working to find a solution.

One of the victims told the Daily Echo that they had been left with nightmares following the abuse and found themselves ‘practically housebound’ in fear of it happening again.

They said: “I feel violated, and I feel absolutely disgusted.”

Another Christchurch resident, Steve, said that both him and his neighbour had faced abuse from the individuals. He said: “When I started talking to people in the area about it, it seemed we weren’t the only ones.

“Now, certain people feel intimidated walking through the subway, and it’s the only route into town.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 1.30pm on Thursday, August 4 of anti-social behaviour, which was reported by a third party and related to a member of the public being subjected to verbal abuse man and woman as they walked through a subway near to Saxon Square in Christchurch. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

“We previously received a report on Tuesday, July 12 that a man had been subjected to verbal abuse at the same location. A local officer who was aware of the individual believed to be involved was tasked to visit them and give words of advice.

“A further report was received on Monday, July 18. Officers attended the location and carried out a search but the individual involved was not located.

“Local officers are aware of the individuals involved, who have complex needs, and we are proactively working with our local partners to manage them and find a solution to best address their needs and reduce the impact of their behaviour on the local community.”