‘Vigilante army’ to patrol crime-ridden UK seaside town plagued by spate of murders, stabbings and sexual assaults

They are due to carry out their first patrols on Monday

A GROUP of “vigilantes” are planning uniformed patrols at a ‘Wild West’ seaside town in a bid to reduce crime.

More than 200 residents, including ex-military personnel, security professionals and first aiders, have signed up to the Safeguard Force in Bournemouth.

The Dorset town has seen stabbings, sexual assaults and murders soar in recent years.

The group have vowed to work alongside Dorset Police to make the streets safer.

But they have yet to be endorsed by the force and anti-racism campaigners claim they will target asylum seekers staying in the town’s three migrant hotels.

They have already raised over £3,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to buy body cameras, stab vests and radios.

Local Gary Bartlett, who set up the group says they will “protect the most vulnerable in our town – especially women, children and the elderly”.

Mr Bartlett said: “We’re here to support our community and work alongside the police to make Dorset a safer place for everyone.

“Our volunteers are driven by a shared goal to protect and reassure, and we’re excited about the impact our app and transport initiatives will have.

“Our volunteers have no more legal powers than any member of the public.

Shocking footage showed horrified locals and holiday makers watching on as projectiles were thrown.

The terrifying incident unfolded on a resort pier on June 30 after a fight broke out in the nearby Lower Gardens.

A teenage girl was rushed to hospital after she was caught up in the ugly scenes.

Five officers were also injured during the brawl.

And last year, a 34-year-old mum was “butchered” on the beach in a random attack.

Nasen Saadi, 20, knifed Amie Gray to death on Durley Chine Beach as she screamed: “get off me.”

The twisted criminology student also stabbed Amie’s pal Leanne Miles 20 times – leaving her seriously injured in the horror attack.

CCTV showed Saadi prowling the beach at night dressed in dark clothing while he hunted for a good spot.

Four days later, he returned to Bournemouth to carry out the gruesome killing.