POLICE are investigating reports of 'racist comments' towards a group of people at Shell Bay in Studland.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following an alleged racially aggravated public order incident in Studland.

Police said a man approached a group at the popular Dorset hotspot with reports he was waving a hammer in a threatening manner before allegedly making 'racist comments'.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "We received a report at 2.18pm on Sunday, July 18 that a member of the public had witnessed a man wave a hammer – which was used to put tent pegs in the ground – in a threatening manner to a group of people on the beach at Shell Bay near to the ferry.

"He also kicked sand into the group’s faces.

During the incident, it is reported that the man made a racist comment."

Police Constable Luke Taylor, of Purbeck Police, said: “I'm aware that the beach would have been busy on the day of the incident and I'm therefore keen to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened.

"I would also urge the group of people to come forward so that we can take their account.

"Dorset Police does not tolerate hate crime in it’s communities and we will be carrying out a full investigation into this incident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210114784. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.