A NEW film shot in Poole that is based on a true story and highlights the dangers of County Lines drugs gangs, is being supported by one of our collaborators, Dorset High Sheriff George Streatfeild.

Sam – In Too Deep tells the story of how a bullied teenager from a single family is excluded from school and cast adrift – until he is befriended by gang members.

Desperate for approval and a sense of belonging he is drawn into a world of drug running and violence, unbeknown to this mother until it is too late.

Yes, this really is a Dorset story, and I would like to make everyone aware that this menace is right on our doorstep

The story is all too real in the sense that it happened to the Dorset teenager whose experience provides the plot but, said Mr Streatfeild, it is also one that is repeated regularly in the county.

“Yes, this really is a Dorset story, and I would like to make everyone aware that this menace is right on our doorstep,” he says.

“It might encourage young people to think about the society in which they are growing up and to stimulate discussion and awareness of bullying, grooming, sexual exploitation, exclusion from school and real friendships.”

The film was produced by Key Light Films and supported by Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, Future Roots and Bournemouth University.

Says Mr Streatfeild: “The film brings home the scale of the problem in Dorset and aims to educate and improve awareness across the community. Please share this clip with as many people as possible to grow the understanding.”

Watch the video here.