SCREAMING was heard coming from a Bournemouth home before a woman was stabbed, residents have said. 

A woman was stabbed at a home in Rochester Road, West Howe, during the early hours of Monday morning, April 29. 

Police officers and paramedics rushed to the residential road at around 12.30am following reports of an assault. 

The victim was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment to injuries that police are describing as “serious” but not believed to be life-threatening. 

 

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “A full investigation into this matter is underway, led by detectives from BCP CID, and a cordon has been put in place at the scene as enquiries are carried out. 

“There will be an increased policing presence in the vicinity and officers can be approached by members of the public with information or concerns.” 

Nobody has been arrested in connection with the incident, police said.

Residents living in Rochester Road reported hearing shouting “all night” before emergency services attended. 

One neighbour, who asked for anonymity, said: “The woman was screaming all night and as she was being taken out by the paramedics she was shouting ‘How have I been stabbed?’ 

“There was only one ambulance here to take her away.” 

Another neighbour added: “The woman who lives there is always arguing with her boyfriend, there are smashed windows.” 

Bournemouth Echo: Police at the scene of a stabbing in Rochester Road, West Howe

Bournemouth Echo: Police at the scene of a stabbing in Rochester Road, West Howe

Ward councillor Duane Farr said: "I very much appreciate the concerns, incidents like this cause our community and my thoughts go out to the victim and any family.

"I have approached the police for an update and any advice to pass onto residents. Whilst we await a further update, I would encourage anyone with any information that may be useful to contact Dorset Police."

Detective chief inspector Andy Bell, of Bournemouth criminal investigations department, added: “Detectives are carrying out a full investigation into this matter and a cordon has been put in place at the scene as enquiries are carried out. 

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area – or who has captured relevant home CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage – to please come forward. 

“From our enquiries so far, we believe this is likely to have been a targeted assault but there will be continue to be an increased policing presence in the vicinity as we conduct further investigative work. Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.” 

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240063019.  

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.