New inshore boats to patrol coast

The new vessels will be used to police the 89 miles of coast

Two new inshore rigid inflatable boats have joined Dorset Police's marine section which responds to marine incidents along the coast and rivers.

The vessels will be used to police the 89 miles of coast from Christchurch Harbour in the east to Lyme Regis in the west and the county's waterways.

Leased from the RNLI charity, they will be based at Poole Quay - the marine section has a second base at Portland.

The force said there would be an improved police presence on the water.

The arrangement between the force and the RNLI is a first for both organisations, a Dorset Police spokesman said.

Insp Alan Ewart, from the marine section, said: "The improved reliability provided by the new boats means that the marine community of Dorset will benefit from an improved police presence on the water.

"The marine section officers on board the new boats will be ready to respond quickly to incidents and will be present up and down the waterways of the county to deter any would-be criminals."