POLICE could find no trace of any injured person after they were called to reports of a stabbing in Christchurch on Friday evening.

Dorset Police received a report that a man had been stabbed in Church Street at 9.34pm.

However, after extensive enquiries, officers were unable to verify the reported details.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: "Officers attended the scene but despite significant searches of the area no trace of any injured person could be found.

"The individual who had contacted police was also not located.

"No further reports have been received and people who had been in the area at the time were not aware of any incident."

Residents reported seeing a heavy police presence in the area around the Priory late into the night on Friday, including armed officers.