A BOURNEMOUTH man was slashed across the stomach with a blade while walking in West Howe on Tuesday night.

The 43-year-old was walking in Turbary Park Avenue at around 1.20am in the early hours of this morning, November 26, when he was stopped by two men who asked him for the time.

Dorset Police said the victim replied and carried on walking, but the pair shouted after him – one pinning his arms behind his back, the other brandishing a “bladed instrument” and slashing him across the stomach, right hand and right thigh.

Detective Constable Caroline Craft, of Bournemouth CID, said the attack, which left the victim with wounds which required stitches, was “vicious and unprovoked”.

The attack took place near the bollards at the end of Acres Road.

The first offender was described as white, aged in his early 30s, around six feet tall, of slim build and with short dark hair, which was spiked at the front. He had stubble and spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing blue denim jeans, black hiking boots, a black hooded top and a dark waist-length jacket.

The second man was described as white, aged in his early 30s, five feet nine inches tall, of slim build, with very short dark hair. He was clean shaven and spoke with a northern accent.

Police said he was thought to hail from Manchester.

He was wearing black combat-style trousers with a deep pocket on one side, black boots and a black coat which went past his waist, and a dark hooded top.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 26:11, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.