Dorset Police has said it wants to "reassure" the public that the county remains one of the "safest" in the country following a spate of crime over the past week that concluded with the death of an 18-year-old boy.
Kyron Wheeler was allegedly murdered on Friday, June 19 after he was found stabbed in Longfleet Road outside Poole Hospital.
It is believed he may have been stabbed in Dale Close before being taken to the area by car.
In an unrelated incident in the early hours of Friday morning, a man suffered serious injuries after he was attacked by a person with a machete in Winton in Bournemouth.
Elsewhere in Christchurch, a huge police cordon was put in place from June 15 to 18 after three people were arrested and charged with weapons offences.
A court heard the weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade, shotguns, other firearms, and a knuckleduster, were found in the home in Suffolk Avenue.
The force is reassuring the public that it is doing what it can to keep them safe.
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man who tragically lost his life.
"A detailed investigation is continuing at pace and updates are proactively being released as soon as officers are in a position to.
"We would like to reassure the public that actions are being taken and we are also progressing with investigations for incidents reported today and this week.
"For example, three people were charged in relation to extensive search activities in Christchurch earlier this week.
"Overall, Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country and we recognise the importance of our communities feeling safe.
"Working with the public and people’s trust in the police leads to holding those committing offences to account.
"The public can help by reporting concerns, providing intelligence, supporting the police and by not speculating on social media.
"We will continue to provide clear, factual and accurate updates."'
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Dorset police and crime commissioner David Sidwick echoed those sentiments.
He said: "I know that many people across Dorset will be deeply concerned by the series of serious incidents reported in recent days, including the tragic loss of a young life in Poole, the early morning attack in Winton, and the ongoing investigation in Christchurch.
"First and foremost, my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected.
"I want to reassure residents that Dorset Police are treating these incidents with the utmost seriousness.
"Significant resources have already been committed, arrests have been made in relation to the Christchurch investigation, and officers are working around the clock to identify and bring those responsible to justice.
"This is not a moment to point to statistics or talk about relative safety.
"While Dorset remains a fundamentally safe place to live, work and visit, I fully recognise that many people may not feel safe right now - and that matters.
"When incidents like these happen in close succession, they understandably shake confidence and cause real anxiety within our communities.
"What I can say with absolute confidence is that Dorset Police are working incredibly hard - with urgency, professionalism and determination - to investigate these crimes, support victims, and ensure public safety.
"Additional patrols and reassurance measures are being put in place where needed.
"At this stage, I would ask the public to avoid speculation and to support the police by coming forward with any information that might assist their enquiries.
"We will not tolerate violence in our communities.
"Those responsible will be pursued and held accountable.
"My priority, alongside the Chief Constable, is ensuring that Dorset remains not only a safe place, but a place where people feel safe again - and we will continue to do everything in our power to achieve that."
