A MAN was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being stabbed near Bournemouth town centre.

Detectives, who are investigating the attack – which took place in Suffolk Road around 11.20pm on Friday, May 14 – are asking for witnesses to come forward.

Dorset Police confirmed they were informed of the stabbing by the ambulance service.

Officers attended the scene and a local man in his 40s was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Detective Sergeant Ian Allen, of Bournemouth CID, said: "We are continuing to carry out enquiries into this incident and I would urge any witnesses, or anyone with information that might assist our investigation, to please contact us.”

A 23-year-old Bournemouth man was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and a 34-year-old man, also from Bournemouth, was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and assisting an offender.

Both have been released on police bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210076263.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.