A MAN has pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted murder after a student was allegedly slashed with a blade in Bournemouth town centre.

Kevin Boyle, 59 and of Wootton Gardens in Bournemouth, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Monday afternoon for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

A trial is set to begin at the same court on February 12 next year.

Police were called to reports of a serious assault in Old Christchurch Road at around 6.30am on Friday, August 18.

Glen Morrant, 19, was allegedly approached from behind by a stranger who cut his neck.

Mr Morrant was taken to hospital for treatment.

Three men, aged 56, 59 and 32 and from Bournemouth, were later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Two were released under investigation.