A MAN found in a Bournemouth alleyway with life-threatening stab wounds remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The man, in his 40s, was rushed to hospital fighting for life after being found stabbed in an alleyway close to Bournemouth seafront on Thursday.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital for emergency treatment.

Dorset Police described his injuries as “potentially life-threatening” and detectives have launched an investigation.

Yesterday, police cordoned off the alleyway, linking Manor Road to East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth, while forensics officers carried out a thorough examination of the scene.

The alleyway is a popular route that links up with zig zag paths leading down to Bournemouth Beach.

A number of items were retrieved by forensics officers, who wore full protective clothing, before being bagged up and removed in police vehicles.

Detectives have not confirmed what weapon was used in the incident at this stage. The alleyway remained cordoned off, under police guard.

No-one has been arrested in connection with the incident, but Dorset Police has launched an investigation.

Neighbours told the Echo they noticed the alleyway had been cordoned off around lunchtime, and a number of police vehicles - marked and unmarked - had been in the area since then.

Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are still investigating how the man came to sustain these injuries and I would ask any witnesses or anyone with information to please contact us immediately.”

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I didn’t hear anything this morning, I just popped out for a paper and saw all the police cars up here afterwards. We’re not really being told what is going on, but police say the alleyway is closed to the public for the time being. When you see these guys in the white suits you know something serious has gone on.”

Meanwhile, a police spokesman confirmed they were called by the ambulance service at 11.40am to reports that a man had been found in the alleyway with stab wounds.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 27:154 Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.