POLICE descended on Southbourne after the discovery of blood in the street.

A large area was cordoned off and scenes of crime officers called in after Dorset Police received a "concern for welfare" call on Sunday morning.

The whole of Ken Road, as well as part of Horsa Road and a property in Southlea Avenue, were sealed off for several hours. Officers appeared to be examining a caravan parked at the front of the property.

At one point around eight police cars were at the scene as officers talked to local residents and searched the area.

Police dogs were taken to the scene but did not appear to be used in the search.

Forensics officers wearing gloves spent several minutes examining a duvet which was on the pavement in Ken Road.

Inspector Simon Perry told the Daily Echo at the scene: "We have been called by a member of the public as to a concerning incident in Ken Road.

"There is suspicion of an assault or a disturbance and a scene has been established in Ken Road.

"An adult male has been arrested and is assisting with police inquiries."

However, on Sunday evening a spokesman for Dorset Police said that the man, 50, had been released without charge and police were satisfied that the blood was a result of an accident and not an assault.

He thanked residents for their co-operation.

Earlier, Insp Perry said an incident was believed to have taken place on Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Julian Shorey, of Horsa Road, said: "The police told me earlier they had found blood on the pavement but they didn't say anything else.

"The cordon went up at about 11am and the police helicopter was here for a while."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, added: "No one has told us what is going on which is worrying because we want to know if we are safe."