THREE men have been arrested following a serious assault in the Christchurch area.

An altercation involving four men took place in Barrack Road, near to the junction with Elizabeth Avenue shortly before 10.15pm on Thursday, March 1.

A man aged in his 20s and from Bournemouth suffered slash wounds - believed to have been caused by a knife - to his face, arm and finger. He was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries, which were not life-threatening.

Three men aged 20, 24 and 27 – all from Bournemouth – have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.