DORSET Police has been accused of “ignoring” a 999 call reporting drug users injecting themselves in a Bournemouth park.

Resident Paul Morgan called the force at 10.20pm on Saturday after he witnessed two men crouched down next to a hedgerow in Knyveton Gardens, which is clearly visible from his Southcote Road home.

The father-of-one said after waiting for almost 15 minutes he decided to chase the men away, before staying in the area for a further quarter of an hour waiting for officers to turn up.

“The operator said they were sending someone,” said Mr Morgan.

“We are only three minutes down the road from the police station. I know it’s a Saturday night and the police are busy, but this kind of behaviour is intimidating and dangerous.

“They just didn’t bother turning up, and we didn’t know what was going on. They’ve completely ignored us.”

Mr Morgan, who said there is an on-going problem with drugs-fuelled anti-social behaviour in the area, took photographs of the drugs paraphernalia, including used syringes, that had been left behind.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “At 10.19pm on Saturday June 4 Dorset Police received a report of two men engaged in possible drugs misuse or sexual activity near to the tennis courts in Knyveton Road.

“Unfortunately, due to a high call demand and using the threat, harm and risk principle grading system there were no officers immediately available to respond to this incident.”

And Bournemouth East Deputy Neighbourhood Inspector Matt Chutter said that tackling drug dealing in the area is a priority.

“Drugs misuse is taken very seriously and we rely on community intelligence to tackle it,” he said.

“Dorset Police is working hard to disrupt and make it difficult for drug dealers to operate in Boscombe. Operation Moped as well as Operation Furlong have seen many offenders being arrested by the force and convicted by the courts.

“Officers will continue to frustrate those who come here to deal drugs. Offenders will be prosecuted and they could face a lengthy prison sentences.

“Drug dealing will not be tolerated in our community and anyone who has concerns should contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team. We do not advise members of the public to intervene themselves if they think such criminal behaviour is taking place as they may potentially put themselves at risk.”

Inspector Chutter added that he had instructed officers to contact Mr Morgan to address his concerns.