DOZENS of young people were "rioting" outside a shop in scenes that saw staff lock themselves inside.

Police are investigating the incident that happened outside a Co-op and a councillor has been forced to deny claims that have since been made on social media.

The altercation allegedly involved 25-30 young people and happened outside the Co-op on Wareham Road in Corfe Mullen on Tuesday, November 12.

The shop was damaged and had a window smashed, forcing it to close.

Police have confirmed the incident involved a group of youths who reportedly attacked a man outside the supermarket and it has been confirmed that police received a report that a man assaulted a woman.

Councillor Duncan Sowry-House confirmed he was present at the time of the incident but denied any wrongdoing after residents made claims on social media that he was directly involved.

He told the Daily Echo: “There were about 25 to 30 youths rioting through the street.

“It was quite frightening. The workers at the Co-op had to lock themselves inside.”

Cllr Sowry House declined to comment on the social media allegations, citing the ongoing investigation, and said he will issue a full statement once it is complete.

He has asked that people refer to the council's statement, which denies the alleged version of events.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident that occurred in Corfe Mullen, which we understand has since become the subject of a police investigation.

“Cllr Sowry-House entirely refutes this version of events, and Dorset Council supports him in this.

“Cllr Sowry-House will continue as usual with his Dorset Council business, allowing the police investigation to follow its course.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Police received a report that a man was assaulted by a large group of young people outside the Co-op store in Wareham Road in Corfe Mullen.

“The man did not sustain any serious injuries and did not require hospital treatment.

“It was further reported that members of the group behaved in an anti-social manner outside and criminal damage was caused to the store.”

An investigation is continuing and no arrests have been made.