Detective inspector accused of nightclub assault

Dorset Police said the officer had been suspended

A serving Dorset Police officer is to appear in court accused of assault and a public order offence.

It follows an alleged incident at a nightclub in Bournemouth in March when the officer was off duty.

Det Insp Mark Portelli faces three counts of assault and one of use threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

He is due before Southampton magistrates on Friday.

Dorset Police said the officer, who is currently suspended, had been issued with a postal requisition following the alleged incident at Canvas in Poole Hill on the night of Saturday 30 March to Sunday 31 March.