A MAN was found unconscious in a school playing field on Saturday night - and police believe the incident was linked to an ‘altercation’ at a nearby pub.

The King’s Arms at Wallisdown Road was cordoned off for most of the evening after a ‘serious assault’.

Officers responded to reports of the incident between a group of people, which took place at establishment around 5.45pm on Saturday.

During this incident, police said, a man in his 50s sustained injuries.

Shortly afterwards, police received reports of a further incident involving a van in Talbot Drive.

A 23-year-old man was found unconscious and taken to hospital. The extent of his injuries is not yet known.

Dorset Police said a teenage boy also sustained minor injuries.

Steve Husher, site manager at Talbot Primary School, said he returned to Talbot Drive to find a section of fence flat on the floor on Saturday night.

“I was out at the time, but when I came back at 11pm there was several police cars here doing investigations.

“I heard it was a van that came through the fence.”

Yesterday afternoon, part of the fence was missing, while Mr Husher had attempted to make the damage less visible.

One of the neighbouring shopkeepers, who asked to remain anonymous, said they saw a lot of police activity at the pub, as well as an ambulance.

The shopkeeper said they had been told knives were involved in the incident at the pub.

The King’s Arms reopened late on Saturday night and was open for business as normal yesterday.

Lois Holder, a Bournemouth University student who lives on Wallisdown Road, said: “We saw people chasing others down the road, then police came along after them.”

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Andy Roberts, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are still trying to establish what exactly happened at both locations, but we do believe the two incidents are linked.

“Any witnesses to either incident or anyone with information about those involved should contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.

“I would like to reassure the public that an extensive investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the incidents which means there will be number of officers in the area making enquiries and for public reassurance.”

Contact the force with information on 101 quoting reference 7:350, or leave information with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org