Local news for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

A man has reportedly been committing acts of "outraging public decency" in the naturist section of Studland beach and Police are appealing for information.

A busy road in Bournemouth is reportedly blocked following a crash this afternoon - live updates here

The remains of disposable barbecues have been found at the scene of a fire that tore through ten hectares of New Forest woodland.

Forensics are investigating the cause of a blaze which tore through a bungalow.

English film director Guy Ritchie has won permission to turn accommodation at Compton Abbas Airfield into holiday lets despite residents' objections

Andy Burnham promised to “change the way we do politics” after being “appalled” by Westminster’s culture after his return to Parliament.

'Spectacular' UFO-like clouds were spotted floating over Sandbanks by a beach-goer.

A fire has broken at out a bungalow in West Howe. We will be bringing you latest updates as we get them.

Officers continuing to investigate a report of a sexual assault at a pub in Poole are issuing a CCTV image of a man they would like to identify.

We were called at 8.44pm on Friday, 17 July 2026, to a report of a two-vehicle collision involving a motorbike and an e-scooter in Fernheath Road in Bournemouth.

Officers are issuing an image of a man they would like to identify following inappropriate sexual behaviour and outraging public decency in Bournemouth.

The best fee-free travel cards can help holidaymakers avoid overseas charges while earning cashback and rewards on holiday spending.

HMRC is consulting on plans to make millions of self-employed workers, landlords and side hustlers pay tax earlier through major Self Assessment reforms.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested the frozen £12,570 Income Tax personal allowance is on his radar after saying it was a key issue raised by voters.

Girl who went missing from Ferndown has been found

Andy Burnham is widely expected to deliver a speech outside 10 Downing Street in which he will pledge to bring "breathing room" to struggling households

Hi Sarah, we received a report at 8:28pm on Saturday 18 July 2026 of suspicious activity involving four men taking photos in the area of Hamworthy Park in Poole.

Fordingbridge mayor Pete White officially opened the Albion Road site, now operating as Best Garage Fordingbridge after its recent acquisition by Best Garages Ltd.

Man missing in Bournemouth has been found

A 12 year old girl from Ferndown has gone missing after leaving her home address at 4:30am this morning.

Purbeck Cider launches People’s Choice cider in Dorset, donating £1 per litre sold to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Community-grown apples support charity.

Plans for a new 'build your own' waterfront home with panoramic views have been approved for a site in Dorset

Dorset is the location for Mike Leigh's Play For Today, Nuts in May, which is free to watch on BBC iPlayer

A YouTube video provides an insightful look at Brownsea Island in 1962.

Only Fools and Horses repeats are as popular as ever this Christmas - but did you know that the classic BBC comedy was not once, but twice filmed in Dorset?

Sandbanks Ferry staff were 'verbally abused' by passengers during a temporary suspension.

Hundreds of jobs are to be created at a holiday park as part of a major nationwide investment.

SHOULD there be a tourist tax in Purbeck – the “Purbeck Pound”?