FIVE men have appeared in court charged with violent disorder in connection with an alleged incident at Weymouth Harbour.

Police officers responded to a report of a fight involving a group of people in the area of Custom House Quay at around 7.45pm on Sunday, April 4 last year.

Officers attended and a group of four men aged in their 20s reported they had been assaulted by a larger group. Two of the victims were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that were not believed to be serious.

Appearing at Weymouth Magistrates Court today charged in connection with the offence were William Edward Beavis, aged 23, of Old Coast Guard Cottages, Burton Bradstock, Leon Fowler, aged 22, of Sunnyside Road, Weymouth, Charlie Ray Fox, aged 19, of Everest Road, Weymouth, Aston James Edward Gooding, aged 24, Cranesbill Way, Weymouth, and Samuel Nigel Anthony Hutchins, aged 21, of Weir View, Charminster.

All five men gave 'no plea' to the charge of violent disorder through using or threatening unlawful violence when present together with others.

Prosecuting, Richard Oakley said it is alleged that four French nationals were assaulted in the incident at Custom House Quay.

The five men will now appear at Bournemouth Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on April 4 this year.

They were granted unconditional bail until their next court appearance.