A police investigation is underway after a woman reported being sexually assaulted while swimming with her family at Bournemouth beach in Dorset.
According to Dorset Police, the alleged incident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday in the water to the left of Bournemouth Pier.
The victim, a woman in her 40s, told officers that a man approached her family while they were swimming before allegedly touching her on the buttocks over her clothing.
Emergency services attended the scene shortly after the report was made, and officers began inquiries into the incident.
Suspect Arrested and Released on Conditional Bail
Police confirmed that a 35-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in connection with the allegation.
The suspect has since been released on conditional bail while detectives continue their investigation.
Investigators also released a description of the individual involved.
He is described as being of Indian descent, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with black hair and a short stubbly beard.
At the time of the incident, he was reportedly wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts.
Officers Seek Independent Witnesses
Detectives believe members of the public may have witnessed what happened and are urging them to come forward.
Police Constable Matthew McGuinness said investigators are particularly interested in speaking with independent witnesses who were in the area at the time, as their accounts could provide valuable evidence to support the ongoing investigation.
Anyone who saw the incident or has information that could assist police is encouraged to contact Dorset Police.
Latest Incident Follows Earlier Reports at Bournemouth Beach
The reported assault comes only weeks after two separate allegations of sexual assault were recorded at Bournemouth beach on June 23.
In the first case, a woman in her 20s alleged that she was inappropriately touched over her clothing while in the sea.
Roughly an hour later, a second woman, who was in her late teens, reported another alleged assault on the beach.
Police arrested two London men in connection with those incidents—a 37-year-old linked to the first allegation and a 24-year-old connected to the second.
Both suspects were later released on bail and prohibited from entering Dorset while investigations continue.
Authorities have previously stated that the two June incidents are not being treated as connected.
Separate Conviction Highlights Previous Serious Crime
The latest investigation is unrelated to another high-profile case in Bournemouth earlier this year.
In May, Mohammed Abdullah, a 19-year-old Syrian refugee, was convicted of raping and sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman following an incident on Bournemouth seafront in the early hours of July 6, 2025.
Court proceedings heard that the victim, whose phone battery had died after a night out, accepted Abdullah’s offer of a lift on a hired bicycle.
Prosecutors said he instead stopped near portable beach toilets, forced her inside, and raped her after previously sexually assaulting her.
The case was prosecuted independently and has no connection to the latest allegation being investigated by Dorset Police.
Public Asked to Provide Information
Dorset Police are continuing inquiries into Sunday’s reported assault and are asking anyone with relevant information to assist the investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage or other evidence is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260105198.
Information can also be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or submitting a report online.
