THREE men arrested in connection with a reported serious assault in Blandford have been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Officers were called to Damory Court Street just after 9pm on Monday following reports a 31-year-old man had been assaulted with a claw hammer, before being driven at by a second man in a Mercedes.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries to his face and stomach. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. The three men, all from Blandford, have been released on police bail until the end of May while enquiries continue.

Det Insp Andrea Power, of Weymouth CID, said: “Our investigation into the incident remains ongoing and we are still appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with information who has not yet spoken to police, to please get in touch with us urgently.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180068562. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.