Dorset Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed a Poole Harbour Commissioner tug boat being set loose in Poole Harbour.

At 9.11pm on Friday 29 January it was reported that the boat, had subsequently become stuck under the Poole Lifting Bridge.

Following enquiries, it is believed that four young people breached the security fence at Poole Quay and released ‘Rough Rider’ from its moorings.

The heavy vessel floated into the channel, colliding with the RNLI launch and coming to rest under the lifting bridge.

The rising tide caused damage to the bridge. The boat sustained substantial damage, including to its radar equipment that will require costly repairs.

Police Sergeant Sophie Williams, of the Poole South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said, “We are making a number of enquiries, including looking at CCTV.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210018340. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.