A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a taxi driver was threatened with a knife.

Police were called to Wimborne shortly before 11.55pm on Saturday after the incident. The driver had stopped at the BP petrol station in Wimborne Road to ask for directions. He was then approached by a man who threatened him with a knife through an open window.

The taxi driver was able to drive away. He was not injured.

Police arrested a 38-year-old Wimborne man on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He is continuing to help officers with their investigation.

People living nearby heard a "loud bang" during the night after police rushed to the scene.

Detective Inspector Andy Roberts, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Residents may have heard a loud bang while officers attended the area. I would like to reassure the public that this was a tactic used by officers during the arrest."

He urged any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to contact officers via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 55180106565.