A 16-YEAR-OLD boy is fighting for his life after an alleged assault at an arcade in Swanage in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The teenager suffered a serious head injury and is now being treated in the specialist neurological unit at Southampton Hospital.

Police were alerted by ambulance crews who had been called to the Shore Road shelter, close to the beach front, at 1.15am.

The victim of the alleged assault was taken to Poole Hospital first but was transferred when the extent of his injuries became known.

Luke Blissett, a communications officer from Dorset Police, said officers were keen to find out more information and would like to hear from witnesses or anyone else with information about what happened.

The teenager, who lives in Swanage, is said to be in a serious, but stable, condition.

The road was closed yesterday while investigations were carried out.

The alleged assault was one of a number of incidents dealt with by Dorset Police on New Year’s Eve.

A 36-year-old Bridport man is in hospital with serious injuries following a serious assault in the town’s Alexandra Road.

Anyone with information about the Swanage incident is asked to call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 202:01 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. Mobile phone tariffs may apply.

• A 17-year-old boy from Lytchett Matravers was arrested in connection with the Swanage incident and is helping police with their inquiries.