Two arrested over 'climate protest' in Weymouth and Dorchester to appear in court

Dorset Police said they were called to reports of protest activity involving members of the public in the public highway at various locations in Dorset at around 11am on Saturday.

An earlier article published by the Dorset Echo showed an individual alleged to have been involved sharing a video message - however due to individuals having been charged, this has been removed.

The locations included Jubilee Close, in Weymouth, Trinity Street in Dorchester, Fountain Way in Christchurch and Half Moon Street in Sherborne.

READ MORE: Arrests as climate protests held in Dorchester and Weymouth

Police said at each location just one person was reported to be involved.

It is believed this was part of a national protest on climate change.

Dorset Police said: “Officers attended and attempted to engage with the individuals involved and encourage them to move out of the public highway.

“Officers arrested three people – at the locations in Dorchester, Weymouth and Sherborne – on suspicion of wilful obstruction of the highway after they reportedly refused to comply with officers’ requests to move.”

A 35-year-old man from Cheddar in Somerset, who was arrested in connection with the Dorchester incident, and a 43-year-old Weymouth woman, who was arrested in connection with the incident in Weymouth, have both been charged with wilful obstruction of a public highway and resisting or obstructing a police constable in the execution of their duty.

They are both due to appear at Weymouth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, May 19.

A man aged in his 50s who was arrested in connection with the incident at Sherborne was released without charge.

A police spokesman said: “Dorset Police will seek to facilitate peaceful protests where they are lawful but we also have to consider the safety of road users and the general public, including the protestors involved, and we will take positive action to ensure this is maintained.”