Boy arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in Bournemouth

A 14-year-old boy is in a critical condition following the incident on Wednesday evening, February 22.

Police were called to reports of a possible stabbing in Mandale Road in the West Howe area of Bournemouth at 7.11pm.

Officers, including armed response colleagues, attended the scene and located a 14-year-old local boy in nearby Gladdis Road who had sustained a single stab wound.

The boy was then taken to hospital and his family has been informed.

Scenes are in place in Gladdis Road and Mandale Road to allow crime scene investigators to forensically examine the area and an investigation, led by officers from Bournemouth CID, is underway.

Police have issued an appeal for anyone who saw what happened to contact them and are keen to speak with two men in a pick-up truck who flagged police down at the scene.

Detective Inspector Katie Starkie, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened, or has any information that may assist our investigation, to please get in contact with us.

“I am particularly keen to speak to two men who were travelling in a pick-up truck and flagged officers down at the scene as I believe they may have witnessed some or all of the incident. We believe they turned right at the end of Mandale Road into Turbary Park Road.

“I understand this incident will cause great concern to residents and the wider community and they can expect to see an enhanced police presence over the coming days while we carry out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be in the area and can be approached with any direct concerns.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 22:652.

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