A MAN with a machete in New Milton was reported to police yesterday after he allegedly attempted to steal two puppies. 

The suspect had left the property with the puppies and searches by the police helicopter had failed to locate him. 

Dorset Police received a report of a man with a machete at an address in the Davis Field area of New Milton just before 9pm on Thursday, September 1. 

On arrival, a man was identified as having received a blow from the machete to the forearm which occurred when he and a neighbour challenged the suspect. 

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The injured man received emergency care at the scene by paramedics however the injuries were not life threatening. 

Police understand that the suspect had attended the address with the intention to steal two puppies who were in the front garden of the property at the time when he was challenged by the homeowner. 

The suspect had already left the location and a search carried out by police, armed police and a police helicopter failed to locate him. 

The suspect had at the time been identified by witnesses and has since been verified by CCTV cited at the attack address. 

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “The male is well known to police and enquiries are at this time be carried out in order to arrest him for the attack.”