A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of rape after reports of a disturbance in Weymouth. 

Dorset Police were called at around 11.30pm yesterday to reports of a disturbance at an address. 

Officers and the ambulance service attended.

A 22-year-old local man was taken to hospital for treatment to stab wounds and a broken hand. His condition is not life-threatening.

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance said that the man had suffered only minor injuries but was still taken in to Dorset County Hospital for treatment.

During their enquiries officers also received reports of a serious sexual assault on a woman. A woman aged in her 30s is currently receiving support from specially-trained officers.

The Echo is not revealing the address due to the nature of the allegation.

A 27-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and a 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and rape.

They are currently assisting officers with enquiries.

Francis Drake, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for community safety, said: "I am very shocked and disturbed that this has happened in our borough.

"I hope that anybody that has any information will help the police with their enquiries."

A local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "The first I heard about it was when one police car turned up.

"Around about midnight I noticed police arriving.

"I just went out to see what was going on.

"The police vans blocked the entrance to the road.

"I think the majority of them left at about 3am, then others stayed out treating it as a crime scene afterwards."

Deputy mayor Kevin Brookes said: "Usually, it's not the sort of crime that we get an awful lot of in the town.

"It's worrying. My thoughts are with the victims and the victims' family.

"I would appeal to anyone who would know anything, the slightest bit of news, to speak to the officers that are dealing with it."