It was reported that at around 4pm on Sunday 18 July 2021 a 15-year-old girl was with friends in the sea near to the Oceanarium when she began talking to a teenage boy. He allegedly pulled her out deeper into the sea, where he is reported to have raped her.

Detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team launched an investigation into the incident.

Following enquiries, including an e-fit appeal and televised appeal on BBC One show Crimewatch Live, a 17-year-old boy from the Warwickshire area has been arrested on suspicion of rape and is assisting detectives with their enquiries.