Dorset Police take action to tackle child sexual abuse
It was part of a national crackdown led by the National Crime Agency to protect vulnerable children
Last updated 23rd Feb 2026
A week of intensive police action in Dorset targeting child sexual abuse, has led to arrests and charges.
Officers took part in a national campaign, led by the National Crime Agency in partnership with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and collaborated with agencies to protect victims carrying out arrests, and secure charges.
The initiative in Dorset saw actions taken, such as arresting a suspect at Gatwick Airport in connection with alleged sexual offences involving a child, visiting a school to speak with a child following a third-party report of a sexual offence and meeting with partners around concerns over the care of a three-year old child.
The week also included supporting an investigation concerning an injured infant, where officers interviewed a suspect, who was released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Further work saw a suspect charged with exposure and outraging public decency offences following an investigation by detectives, with the victim updated by officers in person.
Part of the coordinated effort also involved collaborating with partner forces to speak with victims and progress investigations further.
Detective Superintendent Jim Beashel, of Dorset Police, said: “This week of activity is just a snapshot of the work that we are constantly undertaking to ensure vulnerable children are protected and perpetrators of child sexual abuse are held to account.
“These cases are often complex with a range of partnership working and careful liaison with victims and families involved.
“In an increasingly digital world, we are also working to combat online abuse and raise awareness amongst young people of the risks they face online.
“We all have a role to play in tackling child abuse and we would urge anyone with concerns or information relating to offences of this nature to please report it to us.”