POLICE have received formal complaints over an incident in which a man was arrested in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens.

Footage of a uniformed police officer and a council worker detaining an individual in the town centre park has sparked a large reaction on social media.

In a statement, Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan, local policing commander, said: “We are aware of social media videos showing part of this incident, which involved an officer responding to an allegation of assault and reportedly encountering a non-compliant individual. Officers on the frontline face a difficult job when dealing with situations of this nature on their own and assessing the actions required to ensure the incident does not escalate.

“As shown in the video, further officers attended to assist. When faced with an individual who is reportedly resisting arrest it is safer for a number of officers to deal with such an incident to ensure their own safety, as well as the individual’s and is in line with their training.

“The full incident was captured on body worn video and a thorough assessment of this is being carried out along with a review of the footage on social media. We will identify whether there is any learning from the incident.

“We have received formal complaints in relation to this incident and they will be dealt with through our usual complaints process. We are unable to comment any further at this time.”

Dorset Police said an officer on patrol in the Lower Gardens received a report at 5.30pm on Saturday, August 21, of a busker who was playing in the gardens without the required permission.

A statement from the force said: "An officer spoke to the man and subsequently attended with council staff as they went to request that he leaves the location.

"The man reportedly became aggressive and assaulted the member of council staff by pushing him several times.

"The officer went to intervene and attempted to restrain the man, but it was reported that he resisted arrest and refused to comply with the officer’s requests.

"Further officers attended to assist and the man was arrested on suspicion of assault. He was further arrested on suspicion of possessing a class B drug following a search and obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of their duty. He was taken to hospital for assessment to injuries sustained during the incident.

"He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset David Sidwick said: "I am aware of the incident in Bournemouth Gardens at the weekend.

"This matter is being investigated and therefore I am unable to make comment at this time."