A MAN slashed at his own neck with a blade outside a primary school as children arrived for classes on Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to the “harrowing incident” in Chewton Common Road, which runs behind Highcliffe St Mark School, at 8.35am after receiving reports of a man bleeding from the neck after a verbal dispute.

The 45-year-old, of Christchurch, was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. On Wednesday morning, a Dorset Police spokesperson said he remains in hospital receiving treatment.

Police arrested him there on suspicion of breaching a restraining order, possession of a bladed article in a public place and a public order offence of threatening behaviour.

An eyewitness, who was taking his six-year-old son to school, saw the man arguing with a woman in the road.

He rushed to intervene when the man drew a kitchen knife and cut himself, taking the knife from him and restraining him while another passerby - an off-duty paramedic - began first aid.

“You see this in America, not on the school run in Highcliffe,” he said.

“This guy needs to be locked up. He was kicking off and the woman was trying to patch the wound up and stem the bleeding.

“It was harrowing, physically and mentally, but now I have got over the emotional side and am just angry at having to try to explain this to my son.

“I had to use an umbrella to try to shield people from seeing what happened.

“Fortunately at six years old he takes it all in his stride.”

The witness, who wished to remain anonymous, praised the school for looking after the children affected by the incident.

The road was cordoned off between the school and Penleaze Place while officers investigated.

Dorset Police Inspector Matt Baxter said: “We are making enquiries to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and how the man came to sustain his injuries, however, we do not believe there was anyone else involved at this time.

“The incident happened nearby to Highcliffe St Mark School, but I would like to confirm that it has nothing to do with the school.”

He said he was unaware of any connection between the man and any parent or child at the school.

School governor and ward councillor John Lofts said he was “sorry to hear of the disturbance” adding: “I hope that the police will be able to bring the necessary prosecutions against those responsible.”

The school declined the Daily Echo’s invitation to comment further.

Phillip Minns, head of learning at Dorset County Council, said: “We are aware of an incident near Highcliffe St Mark School today.

“We have been in contact with the school and are working with them to make sure they get any support that is required.”