A man was taken to hospital with a serious head injury after an incident in the Foundry Arms in Lagland Street shortly before 6pm on Tuesday 10 January.

The victim, in his 50s, was entering the pub when he reportedly became involved in a verbal altercation with a group of people who were leaving the premises. The victim then continued into the venue and a male member of the group then allegedly came back inside and assaulted him, causing the victim to fall to the ground.

It was reported that the alleged offender removed his T-shirt during the incident and left the pub immediately afterwards.

The victim is in a critical condition.

Following enquiries by detectives from Bournemouth CID, a 19-year-old Poole man was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent. He has been released on police bail as investigative work continues.

Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are continuing to make enquiries into this incident, and I would urge anyone who witnessed either the reported confrontation at the entrance to the pub or the alleged assault that occurred inside to please contact us.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the alleged offender leaving the pub around 6pm on Tuesday 10 January 2023.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230005651. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.