A 51 year old man and a 17 year old boy have both been arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm after a disturbance at Prince Albert Gardens in Swanage, Dorset.
The assaults happened at around 10.30 pm on Saturday 22nd June 2024 in the area of the amphitheatre and police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
The Dorset and Somerset air ambulance responded to the emergency, flying into Swanage and landing on Sandpit Field but wasn’t required to take anyone to hospital in the end
Man had facial injuries
Emergency services including the air ambulance, responded to the report of a disturbance.
Police searched the area, and two people were found with injuries. A teenage boy had sustained a suspected stab wound and a man was found with facial injuries.
Both were taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries, which were not life-threatening and they have since been discharged.
The 51 year old man and 17 year old teenager were also arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm and have subsequently been released on police bail.
Purbeck Police patrolling the area near Prince Albert Gardens on Tuesday 18th June 2024, a few days before the incident
“Police presence in the area as we investigate”
Detective inspector George Graham, of Dorset County CID, said:
“We are continuing to conduct enquiries into this incident, and we understand there were a number of people in the area around the relevant time.
“I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone who may have captured relevant footage, to please contact us.
“There will continue to be a police presence in the area as we investigate this matter and officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”
Damage was done to the Cancare Garden on the edge of Prince Albert Gardens, along with litter strewn across the area but it was quickly tidied up by local residents
Number of reported crimes
On Saturday 22nd June 2024, a hot and sunny day, there were a number of reported crimes in Swanage.
Earlier during the day, shopkeepers reported a group of adults and children who were shoplifting.
In the evening, parts of the new sanctuary garden in Prince Albert Gardens were vandalised with large amounts of litter and beer cans left discarded in the area.
The charity, Cancare, which funded the garden said that despite their sadness at the damage, they had found the support from the community following the incident “heartwarming”.
Contact Dorset Police
Anyone with information about the assaults is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240094310.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
