A MAN has been arrested following a serious injury assault near Weymouth train station.

A man in his 40s was seriously injured following a reported assault in the alleyway between King Street and Jubilee Close at around 2.30pm yesterday.

He remains in a serious condition in hospital.

The alleyway was sealed off yesterday afternoon as Dorset Police launched an investigation and issued a witness appeal.

Dorset Police said today a 37-year-old Weymouth man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Detectives are still keen to hear from any witnesses to the incident who have not already spoken to police.

Emergency services swooped to the area near the Jubilee retail park yesterday afternoon.

South Western Ambulance said the victim suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Dorset County Hospital.

Detective Sergeant Fiona Hannant, of Weymouth CID, said: “We have been making extensive enquiries in connection with this incident and the alleyway has been cordoned off for scene examination work to take place.

“I would ask that any witnesses or anyone with information regarding this assault contacts police immediately.”

Locals shared their concerns following the incident.

Harry Copp, who works at the KFC on Jubilee Close, was surprised to see the police so close to his workplace. He said: "It is unexpected, but there is a lot of anti-social behaviour there.”

A worker on Jubilee Close, who did not want to be named, said: “I am aware that people hang around in that area and drink. There have been a lot of incidents there in the past. It is a dodgy alley.”

Stacey Richards, a holidaymaker, staying near Jubilee Close, commented: “We’ve just come back to the house to find this, it’s reassuring that the police are here to sort it out.”

Another worker on Jubilee Close, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s like every week there is something going on there, but it is good to see the police.”

Martin Groves, a resident of Commercial Road, said: “I’m not surprised by this. The police are always around. I think there is a lot more people who drink around than there used to be.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 25:305. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.