Police called to three incidents as Bridport Carnival parade delayed

The main carnival procession endured a late start after police dealt with various incidents in the town centre on Saturday evening.

Officers were first called to a report of an assault in South Street at just after 6pm.

A spokesman from Dorset Police, said: "A man was sitting on a bench in Bucky Doo Square when he was slapped on the head from behind by a man on a bicycle.

“The victim did not sustain any injuries. A 31-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been released without charge.”

Police were also called to reports of a ‘slight injury road traffic collision’ in West Street, shortly before the procession was due to start at 8pm.

Eyewitnesses claimed that a female steward was an alleged victim of an assault and police confirmed they were investigating reports that a woman member of ‘event security’ had sustained injuries.

A police spokesman said: “The alleged incident was to do with the marshal stopping traffic and inquiries are continuing."

Following a separate third incident, a man has been charged with possession of a controlled drug and is due to appear at Weymouth Magistrates Court next month.

Chairman of the carnival committee, Shaun Fox, said that despite the delayed start, the community enjoyed the event.

He said: "What a carnival again in Bridport.

"Community spirit is as high as it has ever been. Due to a slight incident just before the procession moved off, now being dealt with by the police, the procession moved off 35 minutes late.

Bridport Round Table's carnival procession entry

PICTURES: Bridport Carnival Procession 2016

PICTURES: Bridport Carnival Torchlight Procession 2016

"It was an enjoyable and well supported evening with the mixture of family through to carnival club entries.

"Thanks to everyone who again supported us this year and we hope that it will continue in 2017."

The carnival was rounded off with the annual torchlight procession to West Bay and fireworks display.

Bridport Round Table scooped five carnival awards for their Star Wars themed creation.

The round table took prizes for the best overall, best local entry, best costumes and most initiative. The group also took the prize for walking, wheeled and or motorised entry, with Allington Hillbillies in second place and The Living Tree in third. Bridport Pantomime Players took first place in the featured open mounted category with their Great Gatsby creation. Harbourside Carnival Club won the prize for comic mounted entry for its Welcome To My House float.

In the youth category, Loders Youth Club took first prize for its Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed entry, ahead of the First Bridport Scouts's cubs centenary entry and Bridport Brownies' Royal family creation.

Bridport Musical Theatre scooped the prize for the walking entry with four or more people for its Crazy For You carnival creation, ahead of Washing Pool Farm Shop's bean team.