Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a group entered an address on Portland and allegedly threatened people with a knife.

They want to hear from anyone with information as they are looking for someone who may be seriously injured.

Dorset Police are investigating the alleged assault said to have occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Detective Inspector Paul Graham, of Dorset Police CID, said: “Despite our search and further enquiries we are yet to find the injured person.

“The inspection of the scene led us to believe that one of the people involved may be seriously injured. We are very concerned about this person and need to ensure they get the necessary medical help.

“Anyone who knows of this injured person’s whereabouts should contact us urgently to enable us to help.”

At 4.40am on Saturday, July 22 Dorset Police received a report that several people entered an address in Fortuneswell which contained a number of men and threatened some of them with a knife.

A fight ensued during which it appears someone was injured. The people then left the address, however it is unclear at this time if anything was taken from the property.

Officers, including armed officers and a dog unit, attended and searched the area.

Residents in the area said the saw five police cars, two armed police response vehicles as well as two ambulances in the area.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I woke up at about 7am and looked out the window and saw the street was littered with police. I just panicked and woke my husband up.

"An hour later there was still just as many police in the area. I wanted to go out but I wasn't sure if it was safe. 

"My husband eventually popped his head out but he was told by a police office to stay inside and away from the windows and not to answer the door to anyone.

"It was quite terrifying. We didn't have a clue what was going on."

Another resident who lives in the area said: "I was woken up at about 5am. I could hear people shouting and running up and down the street. At first I thought nothing of it but the noise carried on so I went to look out the window.

"It was such a shock to see police with guns. 

"The police need to catch whoever is responsible for what happened."

A 43-year-old man, a 36-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, from the Weymouth area, and a 17-year-old boy of no fixed abode, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and are helping officers with their enquiries.

A 23-year-old man of no fixed abode has also been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and is currently assisting officers with their enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 22:67.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org