A TESCO security guard has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after being attacked in Southbourne on Tuesday night.

Police were called to Tesco on Southbourne Grove at around 7.50pm following reports of an assault.

An area of pavement outside the nearby Lloyds Pharmacy was cordoned off.

Witnesses say around four police cars and a police van were called to the scene.

Staff at the Tesco confirmed the victim is a security guard at the supermarket.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said that he was taken to Poole Hospital with serious injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening, including broken eye sockets and a broken nose.

Alex Clarke, who works in the Grove Tavern, said he saw one man being detained by police and put into a police van.

"It is unusual. We don't get many incidents like this in Southbourne," he added.

A 34-year-old man from Bournemouth and a 25-year-old woman from Bournemouth have been arrested on suspicion of assault and theft.

The man and woman are continuing to assist Dorset Police with their enquiries.