TWO violent incidents which left four men needing hospital treatment for stab wounds took place within half a mile of one another this Easter weekend.

Dorset Police say they are keeping an ‘open mind’ about whether or not the incidents are connected, after they both took place on Saturday at addresses in Somerford.

Bournemouth Echo:

Initially, a man in his 40s was treated in hospital for stab wounds following an incident, reported around 1.15am, at a house in Dorset Road.

His injures were described as non life-threatening, and he was able to leave hospital later the same day.

Later that evening police were called to an address in nearby Everest Road amid reports two men had forced their way into a semi-detached property.

Three men, all aged in their 20s, who were inside the house at the time, suffered slash wounds from a knife.

They were taken to hospital, where their conditions were also described as non life-threatening.

Bournemouth Echo:

The house at Everest Road remained sealed off under police guard on Sunday.

Neighbours declined to comment to the Echo.

Earlier throughout Saturday, detectives and forensics officers carried out a detailed search of the scene at Dorset Road. Enquires also took place house-to-house.

Dorset Road neighbours told the Echo the victim appeared to have had injuries to his back and legs.

One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said it was believed a number of men in balaclavas had entered the property prior to the incident.

Another neighbour said: “It is pretty awful to hear someone has been stabbed like this, but I understand there can be problems with antisocial behaviour in this area from time to time.

“For the main, it is a great place to live with mostly good neighbours.

“But I suppose it is always shocking to hear about something like this. I guess knife crime is a sign of the times.”

Officers had cordoned off properties either side of an archway leading to the rear of the terraced housing.

On Saturday, before the Everest Road attack took place, a Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding.

“An investigation is currently underway to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.”

In relation to the Everest Road incident, police say a 30-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and a 32-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife in a public place.

Detective Constable Ben Swain, of Bournemouth CID, said: “An investigation is underway into the circumstances of this incident and I am appealing to anyone who was in the Everest Road area at the relevant time or saw or heard anything suspicious to please contact Dorset Police.

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