Illegal Camper Assaults Beach Hut Owner in Bournemouth Incident

A beach hut owner in Bournemouth was assaulted by an illegal camper, leading to concerns about safety and enforcement in the area. On July 4, 2025, at approximately 15:00, Carolane Davies, 59, was reportedly pushed to the ground and spat on by a man camping illegally nearby. Her husband, Nathan Davies, 60, expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting the challenges beach hut owners face amid rising illegal camping activities.

The Davies family has owned their beach hut for five years, having waited seven years on a list to secure the spot. They pay an annual ground rent of £1,600 to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP). Recently, they have encountered multiple illegal campers surrounding their hut, prompting the couple to take action.

According to Mr. Davies, they discovered a tent pitched too close to their property and decided to move it slightly for safety. “We moved the tent about eight inches off the side of our hut, so it wasn’t pressed right against it,” he explained. Afterward, he sought assistance from a park ranger, but upon returning, he witnessed the confrontation.

Mr. Davies recounted that his wife simply informed the camper, “You can’t have your tent there,” when the situation escalated. “He spat in her face, pushed her to the ground, and started shouting abuse at her,” Mr. Davies said. The scene shocked passers-by, who intervened to protect Mrs. Davies from further aggression.

The local police responded to the incident and issued a section 35 dispersal notice to the attacker, requiring him to leave the area. Despite this, Mr. Davies raised concerns about the temporary nature of the order. “It’s only for 24 hours, so he could be back there now,” he stated, expressing his wife’s fear of returning to the beach hut alone.

The couple criticized the council for inadequate enforcement of existing regulations against camping. Mr. Davies pointed out, “There are signs saying ‘no camping,’ but they mean nothing because the council does nothing to enforce them.” He added that the responsibility unfairly falls on beach hut owners to confront individuals camping illegally.

Dorset Police confirmed that they received a report of aggressive behavior at 15:09 on July 4. A spokesperson stated that there were no additional complaints from the public following the incident and that officers would conduct increased patrols in the area around Bournemouth beach and the pier.

Council member Cllr Kieron Wilson, who oversees housing and regulatory services, acknowledged the issue of illegal camping on the beach. “We are aware of a small number of tents on the beach and are working closely with members of our homelessness partnership, community safety officers, and the council’s housing and communities teams to provide support where necessary,” he said. Cllr Wilson emphasized the council’s commitment to addressing negative behaviors and ensuring the seafront remains a safe and welcoming environment.

The Davies family’s experience has sparked a broader conversation about the safety of beach hut owners and the need for effective enforcement of local regulations. As illegal camping becomes increasingly prevalent, both residents and authorities must find a resolution that protects the rights and safety of all parties involved.