A MAN is recovering from serious stab wounds after an alleged attack in Blandford just yards from the town's police station.

Emergency services were called to Victoria Road in the early hours of Saturday morning, where they discovered the 20-year-old victim at the rear of a garden.

Dorset Police confirmed he'd suffered serious injuries to his leg and torso.

Meanwhile, five people have been arrested in connection with the incident - one on suspicion of attempted murder.

Detectives believe the alleged attack happened at an address on Peel Close and could be linked to a late afternoon altercation that unfolded on nearby Salisbury Road nine hours earlier.

The victim was taken to Dorset County Hospital, before being transferred to the Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospital where his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, police say.

Detective Inspector Joe Williams, of Bournemouth CID, said: "I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident on Peel Close or anything suspicious before or after the incident in that area to contact me.

"I am particularly interested in speaking to anyone who saw an altercation between a group of men at around 5pm on Friday, November 13, near to the Post Office on Salisbury Road, as we believe the incidents may be linked.

"All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence."

In the immediate aftermath officers cordoned off the area around the Union Court flats and conducted door-to-door enquiries.

Crime scene investigators also attended the scene and were spotted searching outside Colin J Close Funeral Services, and digging in an area in front of the police station.

Speaking from the scene on Saturday, Dorset Police Inspector Bob Jacobs told the Daily Echo: "It would appear at this early stage that those concerned all know each other."

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "We usually get quite a few people walking past here late in the evening on the way home from the pubs in the town centre, so it can be a little noisy at times.

"But we've never had any incidents like this before - especially not being so close to the police station."

A 39-year-old Blandford man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Two women, aged 23 and 35 and from Blandford, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

A 21-year-old man from Gillingham and a 24-year-old man from Blandford were arrested on suspicion of affray.

All five people were assisting officers with their enquires.