Frenzied knife attack in Poole

The 28-year-old was found slumped in Market Street, at 8.40pm on Thursday, but it's believed the attack happened at the nearby park behind Dear Hay Lane.

Police think the stabbing may be connected to an earlier argument at Poole's Sainsbury's supermarket.

Medics treated the man for multiple stab wounds to his chest, stomach and arm, before rushing him to hospital in Poole where his condition is described as poorly but stable.

Armed police and sniffer dogs swamped the area minutes after the stabbing and led a fruitless search for the attacker.

The park at Dear Hay Lane - a former cemetery site and popular youth hangout - was sealed off for several hours so forensic teams could carry out a finger-tip search.

One resident, who didn't want to be named, said: "The first I heard of any trouble was this morning when you couldn't move for police.

"You get the odd bit of bother from teenagers around that open space, but nothing like this, nothing this sinister. It's shocking really that this happens on your doorstep.

"I hope the lad makes a full recovery," the resident added.

Police conducted house-to-house enquiries in the surrounding area while detectives scoured town-centre CCTV footage.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "We are pursuing several specific lines of enquiry.

"We are appealing to the public for information and all calls will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Witnesses and anyone with information are asked to call Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

* Officers have arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the incident. He was being questioned at Poole police station.