A significant emergency operation is currently underway in Bournemouth town centre, with reports of five individuals sustaining injuries in an incident near the Bournemouth and Poole College’s Bournemouth campus at Lansdowne.

All five injured persons have been promptly transported to nearby hospitals to receive medical attention.

Two individuals have been apprehended on suspicion of causing injuries with intent, while a third person has been arrested on suspicion of assault by beating.

Dorset Police stated, “Following the initial response of officers at the scene, this matter is now in an investigative phase, and a policing presence will remain in the vicinity as further inquiries are conducted. Several cordons have been established.”

A significant emergency response was mobilized, including five ambulances stationed at Meyrick Road and Christchurch Road, near the bus stops. Additionally, two doctor’s cars and three air ambulances were dispatched to the scene.

Dorset Police received reports of a “disturbance” just before 3 pm on Thursday, January 25, which prompted the deployment of around nine police cars, along with unmarked response units.

In response to the incident, Henry Tootal, a 20-year-old student, witnessed the large police presence and the evacuation of injured individuals. He mentioned, “We saw all the police cars and three people being taken out on stretchers, and [sic] people have been injured. We saw two people surrounded by armed policemen outside the hotel.”

Kirsty Collins, aged 34, expressed her shock, saying, “It’s just a shock; you don’t expect to go to the shop to get your dinner and come out and see all these people walking around looking for things in bushes and bins. It’s scary.”

Extensive cordons were established along Meyrick Road, including outside the Roundhouse Hotel, as officers conducted investigation work. The authorities were seen searching through bins and foliage for potential evidence.

Images captured at the scene showed three men being detained by police officers.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth and Poole College clarified that the incident occurred outside the campus and affirmed that their team is cooperating with the police as needed. Due to the ongoing police investigation, the college refrained from making further comments at this time.

The South Western Ambulance Service conveyed four of the injured individuals by land ambulance to Poole Hospital, with one patient being transported to Southampton General Hospital.

The situation remains under investigation, with the police urging any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward. Members of the public can provide information by calling 101 and referencing log 166 of 23/01/2024. Alternatively, information can be submitted anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 1