A MAN was allegedly stabbed by robbers who attempted to steal his rucksack in Bournemouth yesterday.

The victim, a Bournemouth man in his 50s, was walking along a footpath near JP Morgan in Chaseside at around 11.30pm when he was said to have been set upon by two men who attempted to pull his rucksack off his back and stabbed him in the shoulder when he resisted.

His injury required hospital treatment. Police called out the NPAS helicopter to assist in a search for the alleged offenders.

Two Bournemouth men, aged 23 and 19, were located nearby and arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery. They are in police custody helping with enquiries.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 15:523. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.