A woman has been charged in relation to an alleged attack on a 19-year-old woman who reportedly had her face slashed near to Weymouth railway station.

Police were called just before 7pm on Sunday to reports of a ‘serious assault’ on Ranelagh Road.

It is alleged the victim was attacked by another woman causing a cut to her face.

An investigation is underway to identify what was used to cause the injuries and police are hunting for a ‘bladed weapon’.

After the attack, the victim and her friend went to nearby Bon Bon Convenience Store for help.

Kathryn Reed, 25, who was working in the shop at the time, said: “A girl came in and said her friend had been attacked. I ran out back to get some cloth to help and when I came back she had brought [the victim] into the shop.

“She had a massive deep, open cut on the side of her face up to the top of her head. It was horrific to see – there was just so much blood. It was soaking into her clothes and all over the floor. You just don’t expect to see something like that.

Miss Reed said she tried to help by applying pressure to the victim’s head while her friend called the emergency services.

“We laid her down on the floor as she began to feel faint. She was petrified. At one point she asked me ‘am I going to need stitches’ and I had to say yes. She was so upset,” she said.

She added the ordeal had left her shaken.

“At the time you just do what you can but after the ambulance left I had an adrenaline crash. It’s been on my mind ever since. You hear the odd story here or there but you never expect something like this to happen. To see it first hand – it’s horrible. I don’t understand how anyone could do that to someone,” she said.

Councillor for Melcombe Regis, Tia Roos said the attack was “horrific, brutal and cruel”.

“I can’t believe someone could do that. For whatever reason this has happened I am really sad the victim had to experience such a horrible ordeal. It’s not common in our area and I am surprised something like this has happened,” she said.

She added she urged people to show each other kindness and compassion.

A 22-year-old woman from Weymouth was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

It is believed both woman are known to each other.

Detective Constable George Graham, of Weymouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could assist with the investigation to please come forward.

“I would also ask that anyone who comes across a bladed weapon in the area not to touch it, but report it immediately to Dorset Police.”

Police said today that a 22-year-old woman from Weymouth is to appear in court charged with offences in relation to the alleged attack.

This includes grievous bodily harm with intent.

Officers continue to look for a bladed weapon and are appelaing for the public to get in touch if they find it.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police by calling 101.