A MAN has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was allegedly knifed at the Dolphin Centre in Poole at the weekend.

Gary Sadler, of Victoria Road in Poole, is accused of trying to kill Nahomi Ziraldo on the morning of Sunday, August 11.

Police were called to the shopping centre shortly before 10.50am after reports that a woman had been assaulted by a man who had a knife.

The complainant suffered injuries to her hand and chin and was treated by paramedics. She did not suffer life-threatening injuries, police say.

She was reportedly known to her alleged attacker, according to Dorset Police.

"A cordon was put in place at the scene of the incident while investigations were carried out," a spokesperson said.

"Following searches by officers, a local man aged in his 50s was arrested at an address in Baiter Gardens.

"He has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife in a public place."

Sadler appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court for a preliminary hearing yesterday. He was remanded into custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Winchester Crown Court next month.

John Grinnell, centre manager at the Dolphin Centre, said the alleged incident is "isolated" and added: "Dorset Police officers are investigating.

"We will support them with their enquiries."