Three police officers have been reprimanded after taking part in a football pitch invasion.

The off-duty Dorset Police colleagues were caught spilling onto the pitch - among a large crowd of Bournemouth fans - after their side sealed a return to the Premier League earlier this month.

Fans could be seen letting off flares and surrounding the players and staff in celebration on the Vitality Stadium turf.

Superintendent Sarah Derbyshire, 49, was one of the off-duty officers at the forefront of the celebrations on May 3.

She and the two other officers were spotted on CCTV by police colleagues, who were reviewing the footage after the game. 

Dorset Police says the three officers have since been 'asked to reflect on their involvement' in the pitch invasion.

The force says a message has also been sent to other staff reiterating the 'high standards of behaviour' expected of them.

It is illegal for fans to go onto the playing area, without lawful authority or yalla live ahly lawful excuse, contrary to the Football (Offences) Act 1991. 

A Dorset Police statement said: 'On Tuesday May 3 2022 AFC Bournemouth played Nottingham Forest and secured promotion to the Premier League, which led to a pitch invasion by a large number of AFC Bournemouth fans following the final whistle.

'An internal report was subsequently made to the Force's Professional Standards Department that stated off-duty Dorset Police officers were involved in the pitch invasion.