A man has been arrested in connection with a daytime stabbing on the Rodwell Trail. 

The local man has now been released on bail and investigations are ongoing. 

The victim, a man aged 38, suffered stab wounds to the leg in an attack on the Rodwell Trail near Salisbury Road on Thursday.

Police are stepping up patrols in a bid to reassure the community as a search continues for a knifeman wanted in connection with a stabbing at a Weymouth beauty spot.

Yesterday three men from out of county were stopped and searched on the Rowell Trail for drugs.

Investigating officers thanked members of the public with their support during the investigation and said officers continue to patrol the area.

Clarifying information released previously, a police spokesman said the knife attack actually happened on the Rodwell Trail footpath and cycleway, and the victim then staggered to Westwey Road where he was treated by the emergency services before being taken to hospital.

His condition is not life threatening.

The Echo reported on Friday how armed police had swooped on the area and part of the Rodwell Trail was cordoned off.

Police dogs and the NPAS helicopter were involved in the search for the suspect.

Residents told of their shock as police descended on the area just after 2.15pm.

An officer stood guard at the cordon at an entrance to the Rodwell Trail next to the pedestrian footbridge over Newstead Road.

The Rodwell Trail is a popular path, following the line of the old Weymouth to Portland railway.

In recent months however there have been community concerns about safety along the trail. It is a regular haunt of drug users and there have been a number of assaults in the area.

A concerned mother's petition calling for improved safety measures along the trail including CCTV has attracted more than 35,000 signatures.

Amy-Jayne Kilvert said she was motivated to launch the petition after a particularly shocking incident in March when a teenage boy was filmed being beaten up by a group of young people.

Speaking about Thursday's incident Detective Inspector Andrea Power, of Weymouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the Westwey Road area at the relevant time and may have witnessed the incident or seen anyone acting suspiciously to please come forward.

"We have been making various enquiries into this incident and will continue to do so, including house-to-house visits and CCTV searches.

“I would like to reassure local residents that a full investigation is underway and would encourage anyone with any concerns to please speak to officers from the local neighbourhood policing team.

"There will be an increased police presence while investigations are ongoing and additional patrols will continue over the next few days."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 3:248. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.