Two incidents in Bournemouth town centre and two separate events around Poole attracted major responses from emergency services on Monday evening.
The four incidents happened within three hours, starting with a fight near The Pavilion Theatre on Westover Road, first reported to Police just after 5pm. A woman was arrested in connection with the incident then subsequently de-arrested at the scene after it was established that she wasn’t involved.
Police were then called to an incident raising concern for the welfare of a person on a bridge over the A35 in Poole at the County Gates Gyratory. It was further reported that they had fallen from the bridge. Road closures were put in place on Wessex Way and Lindsay Road.
Later, armed Police reportedly rushed to an incident near the Honda Garage on Ringwood Road.
Dorset Police received a report at around 5pm on Monday 24 February 2025 that two men had stolen an air pistol from Conyers in West Street in Blandford.
It is reported that the men left in a vehicle, which was subsequently located and stopped in Ringwood Road in Poole.
Further searches were carried out at an address in Poole and an air weapon was seized.
A 19-year-old man from Poole was arrested on suspicion of theft, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place. A 33-year-old Poole man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. They both remain in police custody.
Enquiries into the full circumstances of the incident remain ongoing.
Then another incident happened on Richmond Hill, near its junction with the A338. A spokesperson said: “Dorset Police received a report at 7.23pm on Monday 24 February 2025 of an assault involving two men in Richmond Hill Drive in Bournemouth.
“It is reported that they both sustained stab wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are currently described as serious but not life-threatening.
“One of the men, aged 21 and from Bournemouth, has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
“The second man, aged in his 30s from Southampton, is in hospital receiving treatment to his injuries and his family has been informed.
“During the incident, it was further reported that a woman aged in her 30s was assaulted. She did not sustain any serious injuries.
“An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident and a cordon is in place while enquiries are carried out at the scene.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area and we would encourage anyone with information or concerns to please speak with an officer.”
In addition, earlier in the afternoon, there were road closures and heavy congestion around Parley Cross as two vehicles were involved in a collision, resulting in one being flipped on its roof, attended by the Police and fire service.