TWO men have been taken to hospital after violent assaults in the early hours of Christmas Eve.

The men, both in their 40s, were involved in two separate attacks in Charminster Road, Bournemouth.

One suffered a serious head injury, while the other sustained stab wounds.

Dorset Police received a report at 4.44am that a man had been found with a head injury after reportedly being assaulted.

He was taken to hospital, with his injuries described as serious.

A police cordon was put in place along the high street as forensics carried out a detailed examination of the scene.

Following enquiries, a 33-year-old man from Poole has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

Dorset Police said there will be an increased police presence in the area as investigations continue.

Dorset Police also confirmed that a second man had sustained stab wounds in Charminster Road at 3am, with the incident reported to them at 4.54am.

The man attended hospital, but his injuries were not life-threatening.

A second cordon was put in place in an alleyway by Subway, and an investigation was launched to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

No arrests have been made in relation to this assault.

Dorset Police said that the incidents are not currently being treated as linked.

Many residents and shop owners were ‘shocked’ to see such a heavy police presence in the high street on Christmas Eve morning.

One resident said: “It’s Christmas tomorrow. It’s very sad for the family of the person who was hurt.”

A restaurant owner added: “I only got here at 10am to open up so it was a bit of a shock.

"There are cameras everywhere [in Charminster Road] so police will be able to see what happened."

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Bell, of BCP CID, said: “An investigation is underway and I am keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and saw what happened.

“I am also appealing to any member of the public who may have captured any relevant footage, or has information to assist our enquiries, to please get in touch.”