Reaction to Poole Bus Station knife attack on teenager

As reported, Dorset Police were called to an assault involving a knife at Poole Bus Station shortly after 5pm on Tuesday.

The victim - a 17-year-old boy – sustained a serious arm injury and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Read more: Toys R Us throwing open its doors in Poole

A 20-year-old man from Poole was arrested in relation to the incident, but police have not yet recovered a weapon.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Daily Echo spoke to members of the public and shop owners in and around Poole Bus Station.

Those who had been in the area on Tuesday around the time of the incident reported seeing “commotion”, and approximately four police cars and an ambulance.

Norman Todd, aged 83, said: “I wasn’t here but I have heard about it. I live in Bournemouth, and Bournemouth is just as bad.

“It is scary, especially for people my age.

“It’s just the way the world is at the moment unfortunately. I don’t know if its going to change.

“My generation, when I was growing up, it wasn’t like this. It was so friendly, everyone looked after each other, we’d leave our doors unlocked. I don’t know when it changed.”

Vicky Warren, a Poole resident, said: “It’s terrifying to think about. I’ve got a 14 year-old, and it just worries me for him knowing what goes on around here.

“It doesn’t feel safe.”

One man, who works in a shop near the bus stop, said Tuesday’s assault was just one incident of many.

He told the Daily Echo: “Why do people only care about this incident? It happens all the time.

"All the shops round here feel the same. It’s a huge problem."

“The teenagers get drunk, are loud, leave rubbish, and everyone’s too scared to ask them to leave.

“They start fights and bring knives. Nothing is being done about it.”

Another resident, who also asked not to be named, said: “I wasn’t aware of it happening, but it doesn’t surprise me.

"It is horrible around here, especially in the evenings. Kids with nothing better to do just hang around and cause trouble.”