ARMED police and an air ambulance rushed to a Bournemouth cul-de-sac after a man was seen with ‘significant injuries.’

The police were called to an address at Heather Close and carried out extensive searches in order to identify the man.

One resident said a man was seen ‘covered in blood.’

The ambulance service attended at around 1pm on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, and treated the man for his injuries.

Becky Barratt, a nearby resident, said: “The ambulance landed in a field right next to my house.

“I couldn’t believe how loud it was. My whole house was shaking.”

“It’s quite scary. There are so many families around here, and the area just doesn’t feel safe at the moment.”

Becky said that she saw the police search and take items from a garage behind Heather Close.

Another resident, Aly Hurlstone said: “It was quite scary, when I saw armed police, I really started to worry.”

Townsend Community Centre has been cordoned off, and police say this is likely to relate to the Heather Close incident.

Nearby resident Emma Williams said: “There were two men involved.

“Both men left the scene, but it is my understanding that one man left the scene with a knife.

“It is terrifying to think that he is still on the loose.”

There were reports of fluid on the floor outside the Townsend community fridge, and one resident reported seeing ‘darker patches’, which they assumed were blood splatters.

Bournemouth Echo: Townsend Community Centre cordoned off

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Further reports indicate there may still be another injured man in the area who has not been accounted for at this time, and enquiries are ongoing to establish their whereabouts and check on their welfare.”

Emma added: “I have lived in Townsend for 17 years, the area has a bit of a bad reputation, but the area has really improved.

“We have not had a stabbing concern in this area for years and years.

“There is a school nearby, so it is scary that something like this could happen.”

The police said there is not believed to be any third-party involvement in the incident, which is not being treated as suspicious.

Anyone with information can call police on 101.