A celebrated seaside town which attracts millions of visitors a year has a sinister side with “no-go areas” where locals won’t visit at night.

Famed for its iconic pier, sandy beaches and lively centre full of revellers from stag and hen parties, Bournemouth in Dorset appears for some to be losing its long-held reputation as a destination for wholesome family fun.

Personal trainer Amie Gray, 34, was fatally stabbed and Leanne Miles knifed in an alleged murder and attempted murder at Durley Chine Beach, West Undercliff Promenade, on May 24.

Ms Gray, from nearby Poole, died at the scene while Ms Miles was taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries. Nasen Saadi, 20, from Croydon, south London, has pleaded not guilty to Ms Gray’s murder and to the attempted murder of Ms Miles.

A teenage boy was injured in Pier Approach as recently as July 30 in an alleged assault not linked to the reported attacks on May 24.

In a flower bed in Bournemouth town centre, a makeshift memorial can be found near the spot where teenager Cameron Hamilton died after an altercation in the early hours of August 5, 2023. He was only 18.

Thomas Betteridge, also 18, was cleared of murder after claiming self-defence, but he was convicted of manslaughter and possession of a knife at Bournemouth Crown Court. Betteridge was sentenced to nine years with three more on licence.

Amid heightened fears about a crime wave in the town, Bournemouth locals Harvey Griffiths and Emma Loe told Express.co.uk they would be moving out as soon as they can.

Harvey said: “It’s not a safe place anymore. The town centre is the worst place (for crime and antisocial behaviour), and Gardens.”

Emma added: “It’s nicer in the day. At night time it’s unsafe around the town and the beach. It’s scary.”

Ch Supt Heather Dixey, Dorset Police Commander for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, said: “Bournemouth remains a safe place in which to live, work and visit. However, like any large urban area, we do have crime and anti-social behaviour, which we are tackling and reducing.”

She added the influx of visitors in summer can increase demand, but the force boosts officer numbers during the season. The officer said feedback from locals showed dedicated patrols at the Lower Gardens and other hotspots have made “a real difference”.

Figures from Dorset Police show its officers made 21 arrests, carried out 33 stop and searches and issued 16 dispersal notices over the summer. The force reported a 24 percent drop in the number of serious violent offences in the town centre compared to last year.

Knife offences in the town centre fell from 40 between April and July 2022 to 34 in the same period last year and 31 in 2024, according to Dorset Police.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Over the summer months this year there were just two stabbing incidents in the town centre, both of which resulted in minor injuries.”

Ch Supt Dixey credited an increase in officer patrols as enabling the police to respond swiftly to incidents and helping in apprehending suspects and gathering evidence.

A project this summer saw beefed up patrols in parts of the seafront and town centre, with patrolling of the Lower Gardens and other hotspot areas continuing.

Dorset Police said local communities have reported a “real difference” in terms of increased police visibility and engagement.

But some residents, holidaymakers and daytrippers in Bournemouth told Express.co.uk they won’t be put off visiting the town centre despite their safety concerns.

Carol Smith and Sandra Davies, both 60, were visiting the resort where they have holidayed since childhood.

Travel agent Carol, from Rugby, said: “We went for a meal in town last night. It was a bit scary to be honest – groups of loud men – they were a bit intimidating. It doesn’t feel safe, especially for women.”

Nevertheless, Carol said she would still visit Bournemouth, adding: “I love it here.”

Pensioner Mick Jones, from Christchurch, blamed the apparent decline on Bournemouth’s night time economy, with punters filling the resort’s bars, pubs and clubs before spilling out onto the streets.

He said: “It’s a bit worrying at night. There are a lot of drunks. They seem to cater for that here with stag and hen dos.”

Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said the town welcomes around 10 million visitors a year, who come to enjoy its award-winning beaches, town centre and gardens.

He added: “The vast majority experience no crime or anti-social behaviour whilst in our area. Statistically, we are one of the safest places in the country to live in and visit.

“But we understand that the way people feel when they are in our town is important too. This is why we continue to work hard, alongside our partners at Dorset Police, on measures to reduce [antisocial behaviour, ASB].

“These include increasing our days of action and community engagement, promoting knife crime awareness amongst young people and ensuring more community safety council offers are out there on patrols.

“We are not complacent, but we are encouraged to see that positive initiatives such as these are working and have led to a reduction of ASB in Bournemouth town centre over the last year.”

Despite residents and visitors’ concerns, support for Bournemouth was expressed by several people in the town, some of whom said they have holidayed there for decades, but who wish the place could regain its former glory. Others hailed the town outright.

Bob Bannister, 80, from Swindon, Wiltshire, said he has visited for about 30 years. The retired diesel mechanic said: “It’s as good as anywhere. Everywhere is struggling a bit, but Bournemouth – I’m quite pleased with it.”

Lynda Pople, 83, from Leicester, was visiting with family. She said of the town: “It’s a lovely place. This whole coast has a lot of memories for us.”