Bournemouth murder probe: call for police to 'get a grip'

During the early hours of Saturday, August 5, an 18-year-old named locally as Cameron was ‘stabbed to death’. 

BID chairman Martin Davies called for police visibility in the town centre to be “significantly improved” to deter people from committing crime. 

Mr Davies said: “This is an appalling incident and our thoughts are obviously with the family and friends of this latest victim of crime in our town centre. 

Police cordon on Saturday at the flyover (Image: Daily Echo)

“There must be a significantly improved and visible police presence in the town centre, not only to deter and apprehend those who commit these acts but to reassure and demonstrate that those who live, work and visit can justifiably feel safe and secure. 

“That is most certainly not the perception of people I speak to and the businesses that the Town Centre BID represents and works with.”

Read more: LIVE Bournemouth murder probe: latest updates after man dies

Mr Davies added: “This senseless violence has to stop. Those responsible for maintaining law and order have got to get a grip of the situation. 

“This needs a concerted approach led by the police to tackle serious crime and lower-level anti-social behaviour. It has to be the number one priority. 

“It’s time to see some real action, not just words about more police officers being recruited and anti-social behaviour falling.” 

Dorset Police has defended accusations of a lack of officer presence in the town, with lead for BCP policing Gavin House saying 28 officers were out on foot patrols in the town centre at the time.

Read more: Bournemouth murder probe: Tributes left for victim

Mr House added: “Officers deployed to our dedicated night-time economy policing operation were on scene almost immediately and, despite their efforts, were unable to save his life.

“Local officers patrolling the area were however able to quickly apprehend four young men, who remain in police custody and are assisting with our ongoing enquiries.” 

Last night saw a number of police officers patrolling the town centre, with those on duty being given dispersal order powers to ask anybody who they believe to upset the peace to leave. 

Failure to comply will result in an arrest. 

A Dorset Police spokesman has told the Echo that following last night's dispersal order in Bournemouth town centre, nine people were issued with the notice and one man, in his 40s and from Poole, was arrested on suspicion of breaching the notice.