A POLICE officer used ‘pepper spray’ on a group of teenagers during a street disturbance in which he was allegedly bitten on the arm.

The incident took place in Christchurch on Monday night.

Police were called to McDonalds in Somerford Road around 8.30pm following reports of 15 people being ‘verbally and physically aggressive’ towards staff at the fast food chain.

Our sister publication the Bournemouth Echo understands most of the group were teenagers under the age of 16.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said the group was dispersed by police and told they needed to leave the area.

“Shortly after this incident it is reported that an officer was assaulted while trying to disperse some members of the group who had failed to leave the area. He sustained bite marks to his left arm”, the force spokesperson said.

PAVA irritant spray was used by the lone officer who was dealing with the second incident. It is understood around four of the group were affected by the use of the spray.

A 15-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm to a police officer.

As a result of her age she has been ‘de-arrested’ while the investigation continues.

Footage of part of the incident released on social media will be analysed during the police investigation - although police say they are not investigating the use of the pepper spray or the police officer's actions.

In the video online, an officer is seen pulling a girl by her arm towards the back of the police van, while other members of the group can be heard shouting.

The girl in the footage is shown trying to resist, while one of the group tries to pull her in the opposite direction before the police officer pushes her into the bush on the verge.

He then pushes another boy away from him before the video ends. Shouting can be heard throughout the footage.

East Dorset Inspector Lorna Gallimore said: “I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or has any video footage of what occurred to please contact Dorset Police.

“Police officers put themselves at risk on a daily basis to protect the public and Dorset Police will thoroughly investigate allegations of assault on police officers.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 28:428.