A man in his 30s, who was stabbed in his back in Turnbull Lane in West Howe on Monday 30 October was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment. His condition is currently described as serious but stable.

Officers were called at 6.06pm and subsequently a 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. The victim and arrested man are known to each other.

Detective inspector Shaun Inkpen, of Bournemouth CID, said: “An investigation is underway into this incident and officers are carrying out house-to-house visits, CCTV enquiries and are speaking to witnesses in a bid to establish what has happened.

“I would urge anyone who saw or heard anything, and have not yet spoken to officers, to please get in touch with us.

“I understand this incident will be of concern to the local community and officers from the neighbourhood policing team will be in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance and can be approached.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230172408. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.