Dorset police officers praised Weymouth protest response

As previously reported, two police officers were injured and three people were arrested during protests in Weymouth.

One police officer was hit in the face by a bottle thrown at them and another was punched in the face.

An anti-immigrant protest billed as 'Enough is Enough' took place at the seafront on Sunday night, with a counter demo by Stand Up to Racism at the same location. 

A huge police presence was in place, with officers from Devon and Cornwall, Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire deployed to the area to help officers from Dorset Police.

Police stayed on the scene late into the night as protestors continued to remain in the town centre.

James Dimmack, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, reacted to the scenes on the streets of Dorset this week, saying it is "time to back policing".

James Dimmack, Chair of Dorset Police Federation (Image: Dorset Police Federation)

Mr Dimmack said: “The scenes seen in Weymouth on Sunday are extremely disappointing. Sadly they reflect incidents from across the country.

"The fact we are seeing them more frequently should not diminish our disdain for this behaviour of those responsible.

“Officers across the county and indeed the country are stepping up to help keep the vast, vast majority safe from a cowardly minority. This sort of behaviour requires robust appropriate policing.

“Our officers are being asked to do what most can’t contemplate doing. Now is the time to get behind the officers of Dorset doing a fabulous job to maintain peace in our wonderful County.

“I am immensely proud of the response by our officers to this disorder. We wish our colleagues who were injured well.

“Moreover I am proud of the work done day in day out across Dorset by officers and staff to ensure the best possible service is delivered under extremely challenging circumstances.

“It is time to stop giving flak to policing but to back policing.”