Two assaults have taken place in the Bournemouth area this week and police are hoping witnesses will come forward.

The first took place in Bear Cross on the evening of Monday 11 July.

It was reported that a man and woman who were known to each other were drinking outside the Bear Cross pub in Magna Road when they had an argument. They left on foot between 9.30pm and 10pm and, as they walked down Milford Drive, the man allegedly assaulted the woman.

The victim sustained a minor injury as a result of the incident.

Following enquiries by officers, a 48-year-old Poole man was arrested on suspicion of assault and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Police Constable Rhiannon House, of Bournemouth police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this incident and I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed a verbal altercation outside the Bear Cross pub on the evening of Monday 11 July or the alleged assault in the area of Milford Drive.

“I would also urge residents in the area to please check any home CCTV systems or doorbell camera footage for anything that might assist our investigation.”

The second occurred at around 11.30pm on Tuesday 12 July in Hawthorn Road.

It is reported that a man approached the victim – a man in his 20s – while in possession of a machete and assaulted him. The victim subsequently ran away from the area in the direction of Wimborne Road.

A male member of the public, in his 50s, intervened and sustained a stab wound that is not believed to be serious. He was treated at the scene by the ambulance service.

Officers attended and a cordon was put in place while an examination of the scene was carried out.

Detective Inspector Ian Allen, of Bournemouth CID, said: “A thorough investigation is underway into this incident and I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed what happened.

“I would urge any motorists who were travelling in the area and may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage to please get in touch.

“Also, I am appealing to any residents with home CCTV systems to check their footage for anything that may help our enquiries.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area as the investigation continues and I would ask anyone with any concerns or information to please speak to an officer.”

Anyone with information on either incidents asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220112139. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.