A MAN has been charged with attempted murder after a nine-year-old girl was stabbed in Christchurch.

Dorset Police received a report at 5.45pm on Tuesday, August 20, that a young girl had sustained stab wounds at an address in Glider Close.

The victim remains in hospital receiving treatment to injuries that are not life-threatening.

Officers are providing support to her and her family.

Following an investigation by detectives, 28-year-old Jordan Wilkes from Christchurch was arrested and has been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

He has been remanded in custody and he is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 22.

A local woman aged in her 50s who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released without charge and will face no further action.

Detective chief inspector Aimee Schock, of BCP CID, said: “After enquiries carried out by detectives, we liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who authorised the charges.

“There will continue to be an increased policing presence in the coming days and we would urge anyone to approach an officer with information or concerns.

“I would like to thank the community for their ongoing support.”