Detectives are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after a man was assaulted in Poole Park, near the crazy golf.
The incident happened between 6.15pm and 7pm on Saturday 23 January.
A 59-year-old local man, was walking through the park when he was approached from behind by the offender who assaulted him in the stomach.
Nothing was taken from the victim and the offender ran toward the war memorial. The victim then managed to walk to Poole Hospital where he underwent surgery for a stab wound to his stomach, which is not believed to be life-threatening.
The offender is described as a white man aged in his early 30s and of a large build. He was around five feet ten inches tall and had short cropped hair and a round plump face. He was wearing dark trousers and a dark jacket.
Detective Sergeant Ben Morgan, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was an unprovoked assault and there will have been people in the park at the time of day the incident occurred.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen the incident or anyone acting suspiciously around the time of the assault to contact me on 101.”
Officers have been searching Poole Park for the weapon used in the incident and the search will continue today. If anyone finds a knife or sharp object in Poole Park, or discarded nearby, they are urged not to touch the item, but call Dorset Police immediately.
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 23:313. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
This post was updated on 26 January 2016 as follows: a 37-year-old man from Poole has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.
