Armed police called after man 'attacks woman' in Boscombe

Residents reported a “blood-curdling scream” followed by a heavy police response shortly after 6.40am on Monday in the area near Boscombe beach.

According to police, a man was reported as attacking a woman and fleeing the scene with a child – before he was stopped a few hours later.

One resident said: “Me and my partner were walking the dogs around 6.40 this morning. Heading towards Boscombe Cliff Gardens, we heard an almighty blood-curdling scream come from Boscombe Cliff Road.

“Shortly after that you could see police driving around clearly looking for someone.”

Armed police and officers in Watkin Road, Boscombe, after reported assault. (Image: Newsquest)

A helicopter was also launched following the incident.

Dorset Police says it was told at 6.47am that a man had assaulted a woman, who was known to him, in Sea Road.

A spokesperson said: “The information identified that the man left the area in the company of a child following the incident.

“Officers attended and conducted enquiries and searches in the area.

• As it happened: Helicopter over Boscombe amid police presence

“The man and child were located at around 9.25am, with the man detained by police and officers confirmed the child was safe.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

Armed police and uniformed officers blocked access to a section of Watkin Road for several hours on Monday, with attention focused on the abandoned Shalden Grange care home.

Armed police and officers in Watkin Road, Boscombe, after reported assault. (Image: Newsquest)

A drone was also used, with residents deducing officers were searching for someone.

Watkin Road resident Maria Mazanyiova told the Echo she had just returned from a night shift as a carer when she came across the large police presence.

She said: “We’ve had some troubles before with that building and I know some people have complained about it. We had a letter not too long ago saying it would be demolished, but it’s all been quiet since then.

“We’ve also had drones patrolling about in the sky before, but you never know what it’s for.

“This part of Boscombe is not so bad usually, but to see so many police outside your home searching is really not nice. I hope nothing else like this happens again.”