Police have issued a description of a teenager following a stabbing in the Lower Gardens, near Bournemouth Pier, last night.
A local man in his 20s was taken to hospital after police and ambulance services were called to the scene at around 6.20pm.
His injury is not believed to be life-threatening.
The offender is described as a teenage boy, approximately 17 or 18 years old with blond or brown hair. He was wearing a blue tracksuit.
Officers conducted enquiries and searched the area. No arrests have been made.
Detective Inspector Charlotte Alexander, of Dorset Police, said: “Our investigation is in the very early stages and we are making a number of enquiries to establish what exactly happened and find the person responsible.
“I am appealing for any witnesses who have not yet spoken with officers to please contact us.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area and anyone with information or concerns please approach one of our officers.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 26:466.