POLICE ordered a man to leave Sherborne for 12 hours after reports he was shouting and swearing at members of the public.

Dorset Police said officers were called on Tuesday (May 19) following concerns about a man causing alarm in near The Yeatman Hospital and Cheap Street.

Officers from the neighbourhood policing team located the man and established he was not from Sherborne.

After assessing the situation, police said they were satisfied his behaviour was not linked to a mental health crisis and that he understood the consequences of his actions.

A Section 35 dispersal notice was then authorised, giving officers powers to temporarily ban someone engaging in anti-social behaviour from a specified area.

The man was ordered to leave Sherborne and warned not to return for 12 hours, or he could face arrest.

In an unusual twist, officers then helped him on his way by taking him to the train station.

Sherborne Police said: “While we understand that some behaviour can be the result of a mental health crisis and treat such events appropriately, this person clearly knew the consequences of his behaviour and we will not tolerate the upset it caused in our town and community.”

Officers also thanked members of the public who reported the incident and those affected for their patience.