Two men in hospital after early-hours aggravated burglary

Police say between tow and four men broke into a building in the grounds of Whitley Court Hotel in West Cliff Gardens, Bournemouth last night at around 4.20am.

Both victims, in their 20s, were both left with cuts to their hands, while one of the men suffered injuries to their legs and a cut to his head.

Both were taken to hospital for treatment but the offenders are still on the run.

Dorset Police would not go into detail about how they suffered their injuries.

A cordon was put up on the pavement outside the hotel in West Cliff Road and a section of the hotel building.

Detectives arrived later that morning.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "It was reported that between two and four men forced their way into a property and assaulted the occupants, two men aged in their 20s.

"Officers attended and conducted searches and enquiries in the area, however at this time the offenders have not been located.

"One man was treated for injuries to his legs as well as lacerations to his hands and head and the other victim sustained cuts to his hands. Both men were taken to hospital for treatment.

"Enquiries into this incident remain ongoing and a cordon has been put in place. There will be an increased police presence in the vicinity and officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns."

Tourists staying at hotels in the area were left shocked this morning at the police presence and cordon in place.

An elderly couple heading to Bournemouth town centre for shopping were visiting from the Isle of Wight and staying at the Sands Hotel.

The wife said: “We didn’t hear a thing last night, but it’s a bit concerning to walk out and see this.”

Her husband by said: “it’s not as friendly down here as it is in the Isle of Wight. We were staying in a back room so didn’t see what happened.”

One couple in their 60s and visiting from the Isle of Wight said: “It’s a rough area, here. There have been unpleasant people hanging around outside shops.”

One woman, who lives in West Cliff Gardens, said she is shocked. She added “I’ve lived here since 2016 and I know people who live in this hotel. It’s a worry to see this.”

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “We were called at 04:25hrs on Friday 9 February to an incident in Bournemouth. We sent a double-crewed land ambulance and conveyed one patient by land ambulance to Poole Hospital.”