THE mayor of Weymouth has expressed his shock after a daytime stabbing incident at a Weymouth business.

A man aged in his 20s was allegedly stabbed at Weymouth Barbers in St Mary Street on Friday morning. It was reported an altercation took place between a group of men inside the premises.

Police say the incident took place at around 10am, and that two men reportedly known to the victim have been arrested.

Mayor of Weymouth Colin Huckle was in nearby Nicetta restaurant at around midday when he said a cordon was in place; closing the street off to pedestrians and with police, paramedic car and ambulances at the scene.

Cllr Huckle said: "It's a most undesirable event - a very rare event in Weymouth. The streets of Weymouth are safe and we have a police and special constable presence around the town and along the harbour. It seems very strange it should happen in a hairdressers.

"It's a regrettable incident - the first I've heard of for a long long time - and I deplore it."

The victim, who suffered a puncture wound to his chest, was taken to hospital as a precaution but his injuries are not deemed to be life-threatening, police said.

A 21-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and a 35-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Dorset Echo: St Mary Street in Weymouth St Mary Street in Weymouth

Detective Constable Lianne Williamson, of Weymouth CID, said: “We know there were likely customers in the shop at the time of the incident and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed what happened and has not yet spoken to officers to please get in touch.

“A full investigation into this incident remains ongoing and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be continuing with their patrols over the week and can be approached with any concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220039619. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.