ARMED police were called to a quiet area of Bournemouth yesterday morning after a man’s face was slashed open in an attack which is believed to be targeted - potentially after a parking dispute.

A local man aged in his 40s was taken to hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Officers were called to St Winifred’s Road near Meyrick Park at 8.19am yesterday to reports of an assault.

No-one has been arrested and detectives are appealing for witnesses.
Police took away a grey Renault Traffic Sport van with a flat tyre from St Winifred’s Road.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: “Officers attended and located a man with a cut to his face caused by a sharp object. It is not known at this stage what the object was.

“A search of the area was carried out, with support from armed officers and NPAS helicopter, however the offender was not located.

“The offender is described as a white man aged in his late 20s. He was wearing a light grey hooded top with the hood up, a blue T-shirt and grey trousers.

“The victim - a local man aged in his 40s - was taken to hospital for treatment. 

“His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. 

“He also reported that he had a cut to one of his car tyres.”

Detective Constable Matthew Loader, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We believe this may have been a targeted attack, but it is not known at this stage whether the offender and victim were known to each other.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or knows who the offender might be, to contact Dorset Police or pass on any information anonymously to Crimestoppers.

“We have stepped up patrols in the area and have been making a number of inquiries, including door-to-door, and have also been trawling CCTV in order to identify the offender.”

Ivor Richards, who lives in St Winifred’s Road, said: “I heard a lot of noise around 8.20am. It sounded like it was in our courtyard.

“It’s a little bit daunting to see the police, the ambulance and just the number of cars out in the road.

“We do have a problem with people parking here to go into town. 

“If they block a drive then some people do get very frustrated.”