Officers investigating this reported public order incident are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

It is alleged that between 2.45pm and 3.15pm on Thursday 18 November, a fight occurred on Draper Road.

Two men were taken to hospital for treatment. One man sustained lacerations and bruising to his face, hand and arm. A second man sustained an injury to his nose and wrist.

An 18-year-old man from Bournemouth, a 25-year-old man from Christchurch and a 19-year-old woman from Christchurch were arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. They have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

A 38-year-old man from Bournemouth was also arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He has been released on police bail while the investigation continues.

PC Elizabeth Johnson-Byrnes, of Dorset Police’s Volume Crime Team, said: “Our investigation is ongoing and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed what happened to please come forward.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have captured the incident on either dashcam, mobile phone or home CCTV footage.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out patrols in the area and can be approached by anyone with information or concerns.”

If you have any information please contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210186232. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.