Having received a report at 8.36pm on Wednesday 12 October, Dorset Police discovered a man who had been seriously injured outside an address in Southcote Road.

The man was subsequently taken to hospital by the ambulance service.

Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Following enquiries, it is believed the man may have been assaulted and an investigation is being carried out to establish the full circumstances of what actually occurred.

“I am really keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or any suspicious activity in the area around the relevant time, as they may have important information to assist our enquiries.

“I would also like to ask residents in the vicinity to please check their home CCTV systems and for motorists travelling in the area to review their dashcams for any footage that may assist the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220166643. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.