A SPEEDBOAT was seized by marine officers for travelling at excessive speeds on a Dorset river.

Complaints were received about a vessel travelling at excessive speed and causing danger to other water users along the River Frome, Wareham.

The blue and white speed boat, named ‘Sonic’, was seen at the quayside in Wareham, beside the Old Granary Public House, at around 6.40pm on Saturday August 29.

The boat was reported to have left the quayside in the direction of Poole Harbour at speed, causing an excessive wash. It was then seen at Ridge Wharf where it took the left-hand bend at high speed and was also witnessed crossing Poole Harbour and into the Swash Channel.

The speed limit on the River Frome is four knots. Dorset Marine Policing Team has begun an investigation into navigation offences alongside Poole Harbour Commissioners.

The boat has been seized to allow officers to undertake further enquiries and a witness appeal has now been launched.

Roan Doyle, Dorset Police marine policing team co-ordinator, said: “In recent weeks, across the UK, we have seen a number of very serious marine collisions and lives lost on our waters and our thoughts go out to all those involved and their families.

“Speed limits on our waterways are in place to protect life, property and the environment, and the manner in which the vessel is reported to have been used posed a very real risk of serious injury to water users.

He added: "I would like to appeal to any members of the public who may have CCTV footage along the river, or have taken mobile phone footage of the vessel, who we have not already contacted, to get in get in touch

“The Marine Policing Team will continue to work with our partner agencies to promote marine safety, prevent and detect marine crime, and keep Dorset’s waters safe.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident on the river is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, quoting occurrence number 55200130031. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Anybody with information regarding the actions within Poole Harbour are asked to contact Poole Harbour Commissioners on 01202 440 230 or via the website at www.phc.co.uk/ quoting incident 473.