A MAN was taken to hospital in a ‘serious condition’ following an assault in Bournemouth town centre.

The victim, a local man aged in his 40s, was reportedly assaulted outside the Kokoro restaurant in Old Christchurch Road in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Emergency services attended, and the man was taken to hospital for treatment by the ambulance service. 

His condition is described as serious but stable.

Two men, aged 21 and 23 from the Staines-upon-Thames area, and a 23-year-old man from London were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

They have been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Detectives investigating the assault, which occurred at approximately 12.15am, are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detective inspector Mark White, of BCP CID, said: “A detailed investigation is underway and I would ask anyone with information about this incident to please contact Dorset Police.

“There were a number of people in the area at the time who witnessed what happened and I would ask them to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240021191.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.