Five people and two dogs were bitten by a dog in Charminster just before Christmas.

It is reported that at around 11.45pm on Thursday 28 December, a man was bitten by a dog in Charminster Road, near to the junction with Capstone Road. The dog was reportedly off its lead and went on to bite another four people and two dogs.

The five victims were treated at hospital for minor injuries.

A 46-year-old man from Bournemouth was subsequently arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog that is dangerously out of control causing injury.

The dog – a black Belgian Malinois – was seized by police.

Police constable Oliver Smith, of Bournemouth police, said: “We have been carrying out enquiries into this incident and as we have now obtained full details from the victims, I am now in a position to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230202669. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.