A 36-year-old man arrested following an assault with a bladed weapon in Boscombe on Saturday has been released on bail until mid-October.

The Bournemouth man was arrested following the incident, believed to be drug-related, in Aylesbury Road near The Crescent.

Another man sustained a serious head injury.

The victim, a 31-year-old local man, was taken by ambulance to Poole Hospital where he is being treated for non life-threatening wounds.

Neighbours and passers-by said they had heard various rumours that a samurai sword, machete or knife was used in the attack, but a police spokesman said yesterday that this was still being investigated.

No further witnesses are being sought as part of the investigation.

Around 10 police vehicles, armed police officers and an ambulance were called to the scene at around 5pm on Saturday, and the area was cordoned off.

Dorset Police Inspector Ian Jarred said the drugs squad was not called to the scene.

Residents of The Crescent said such incidents were not uncommon, but they still felt safe living in the area.

Dean Keith, a 25-year-old chef, said: “I walk back from work any time between 11pm and 2am and I never feel unsafe.

“I have never had any problems.

“It is generally pretty peaceful down here – the trouble is down the road by all the shops.”

Alison Davis, 39, who has lived in the area for just over two years, heard the ambulance arrive on Saturday and saw officers escorting a man from the property.

“It isn’t really surprising when you see an incident like that. It is the same as Roumelia Lane.

“It happens every now and then,” she said.

“But the rest of the time it is quiet, and there is a real community spirit here, with lovely neighbours.

“Everyone looks out for each other.

“Since they took away the benches on the green, where big groups used to congregate and leave needles and rubbish, it has been much more peaceful around here.”