Hate crimes investigated as boy shot with air rifle

Dorset Police said it takes hate crime extremely seriously

A teenage boy was shot by an air rifle and antisemitic graffiti was painted on a building as a seaside town was hit by a spate of what police have described as "hate crimes".

Dorset Police received reports on Saturday at 14:50 BST that two people were abused by a driver on Manor Road in Bournemouth before one of them was shot in the head by an air weapon.

Officers said a teenage boy suffered a minor head injury and they are appealing for anyone with information about the attack to contact them.

In the same afternoon police received four reports of criminal damage in the town centre, with antisemitic graffiti painted onto buildings.

Dorset Police said it takes hate crime "extremely seriously" and a full investigation is underway to identify those responsible.

It added that local officers will be carrying out enquiries in the area and can be approached by anyone while out on patrol with information or concerns.