AN INVESTIGATION has opened following an assault at a church in Bournemouth.

Officers were alerted to reports of an altercation in the grounds of St Peters Church in Hinton Road at around 12.55am on August 31.

A man was found by patrol officers with a cut to his face and taken to hospital for treatment while two men were also detained at the scene.

Following enquiries, a 39 year old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

An 18-year-old man from Fordingbridge was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Both men have been released under investigation.

Police constable Lucy Hobbs, of Bournemouth police, said: “Officers responded swiftly to this report of assault and detained two suspects. We are aware that the victim was part of a larger group within the area of St Peter’s Church prior to this assault.

“As part of our investigation I am interested in speaking to members of this group in order to understand the events leading up to the incident. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact me in confidence as well as anyone with relevant dashcam or home CCTV footage.’"

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240134315.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.