CALLS for action to stem the tide of antisocial behaviour at Poole Bus Station have intensified, with passengers, residents and shoppers saying the situation is out of hand.

Yesterday Dorset Police released four teenaged boys on bail after a man in his 40s suffered a broken jaw in an alleged attack at the weekend.

Meanwhile, complaints of youths turning the bus station into a no-go zone continue to flood into the Echo newsroom.

Police say they are maintaining proactive patrols in the area. However, residents who use and work in the bus station remain sceptical.

One man, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, told the Echo: “The situation is terrible and it is all being caused by children and young people who are being allowed to get away with appalling behaviour.

“They make the place intimidating, especially for vulnerable people.

“No-one appears to be able to do anything about it. I try not to go into Poole on the bus anymore, it must be hurting all the businesses.”

Another bus passenger said his disabled partner was abused by youths congregating at the station on Monday.

“They called her names saying she had no feet and that she was crippled and would never be able to walk,” he said.

“The police don’t seem to be doing anything. It has gone too far.”

Simon Ward, commenting on the Echo website, said: “Please will someone do something? It is a major problem with the youth cycling and smoking everywhere with two fingers to everyone. It has been like this far too long and the buck is constantly being passed.”

Another resident said: “When will it ever be safe at this place? We have good buses and drivers but there always a chance that idiots will cause trouble.

“Is it too much to ask for police to be visible here? If not we are in danger.”

Inspector Adrian Thompson, of Poole police, said: “Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are aware of this latest reported incident and are continuing to engage with the local community, staff at the bus station, the Dolphin Centre, traders and key partners via daily contact and high profile proactive patrols.

“As part of Operation Nightwatch, patrols are carried out at Poole night-time economy ASB hotspot areas to prevent and minimise public place violence.

“The local neighbourhood officers can be approached by anyone with concerns.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Sometime between 7.30-8pm on Saturday 28 December 2019 an alleged altercation occurred near Subway outside the Dolphin Centre. A man was reportedly assaulted by a group of teenagers.

“The victim – a Bournemouth man aged in his 40s – sustained injuries to his face and a fractured jaw that required surgery.

“ Two 16-year-old boys and two boys aged 13 and 15, all from Poole, were arrested on suspicion of GBH and have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.”