Police launch major operation after man attacked with axe in Charminster Road

Armed officers rushed to Charminster Road around 2.30pm after reports a man had been attacked.

The road was cordoned off as police attempted to detain the offender.

At one point, seven police vehicles along with armed response units and a fire crew were in attendance.

A spokesman for the force said: “At 2.37pm police were called to reports that a man had been attacked by another man with an axe on Charminster Road.

“Police, including armed officers, attended the scene.

“Charminster Road was closed at the Maxwell Road junction while the emergency services carried out their work.

“The victim sustained an injury to his leg as a result of the incident.

“A man, who was arrested in relation to the incident, sustained an arm injury as a result of the incident. He has been taken to hospital for treatment.”

The road closure resulted in heavy traffic on the main route into town, with bus services diverted.

Residents and those working in businesses nearby expressed shock at the incident.

Manager of Primera, Ross Copsey, said he saw officers wielding guns and tasers outside the house.

“My colleague said he saw one of the men smash a window with his hand,” he added. “We then saw the police talking to a guy in front of the house. In three years of working here, I’ve never seen police on that scale outside.”

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said he was working in his front garden when an argument broke out between two men. “It was all over very quickly. One guy had a cut on his hand and the other guy on his leg.

“I couldn’t just stand there and not help, so I brought one of the guys into the house and helped him bandage up his hand.

“I was expecting there to be a lot of blood.”

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed one crew was sent to the scene at the police’s request. However, they were not required and left shortly after.

A South Western Ambulance spokesperson confirmed both men had sustained minor injuries.