Richard Mclaughlin

The View Coffee Shop at Milton Abbas Sports Club was destroyed by an accidental electrical fire on June 27. Owner Hayley Bridge has begun the reopening process, but planning permission, repairs and insurance claims are delaying progress. A community fundraiser has raised more than £12,000, and Bridge hopes to reopen by the end of September after missing most of the summer trade. Fire crews from Blandford, Sturminster Newton and Poole prevented the blaze from spreading to a nearby sports pavilion.

Keiran Sharp, 40, admitted assaulting five police officers, ramming two police cars, dangerous driving, possessing bladed weapons and other offences following incidents in Bournemouth and Poole. During one high-speed chase, he reached 80mph, dragged an officer along the road and eventually crashed into a bench and wall. The court also heard he had assaulted officers during an earlier stop involving cloned number plates and that weapons were found in his car. His guilty plea, remorse and previous period without offending were taken into account. He received a 30-month prison sentence suspended for two years, a three-year driving ban, 100 hours of unpaid work and £250 compensation.

Police launched a murder investigation after a 68-year-old man from Christchurch died a week after being assaulted outside the Parkstone Trades and Labour Club in Poole. A 45-year-old man initially arrested for grievous bodily harm was later re-arrested on suspicion of murder and released on bail. Detectives continue to seek information as officers support the victim’s family. The club’s president stated that violence is rare at the venue and emphasized its zero-tolerance policy. Authorities urge the public to provide any relevant information to Dorset Police or Crimestoppers.

Dorset Police and partner agencies are collaborating during Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week to highlight ongoing efforts to address community concerns across the county. Initiatives include targeted problem‑solving work in Charminster with BCP Council, community engagement activities such as litter picks with police cadets, and expanded opportunities for residents to share concerns. Neighbourhood teams, including those in Weymouth, are recognized for effective partnership projects like the Safer Streets scheme, and the public is encouraged to report ASB through local officers, the Dorset Police website or by calling 101.