Arrests after boy, 16, stabbed at Dorchester South station

Dozens of police officers, including armed response teams, swooped on Copper Street on Friday night following reports of a fight involving groups of people.

A 16-year-old boy was taken to hospital with a stab wound although police said his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

British Transport Police (BTP) – leading the inquiry as it happened on railway land – said ‘suspects had been identified’ and issued an appeal for information.

Today, BTP confirmed a 17-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

A 16-year-old girl was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. She has also been bailed as the investigation continues.

A crime scene was set up in the main station car park which was closed to the public on Saturday morning. Visitors arriving at the station by car were asked to make other plans for parking.

Police were seen searching the area – possibly for a weapon – including looking in drains and in flowerpots.

A man who works in the area said: “When I came in, there was a police presence in the car park. I saw two police cars. For them to be there it must have been something of importance. They were searching by the fence.”
 

INVESTIGATION: Police at Dorchester South on Saturday morning with the car park cordoned off Picture: FINNBARR WEBSTER

Several police vehicles descended on the station area around 9pm on Friday. Armed police were also seen.

A small car park near the station’s pedestrian entrance was later cordoned off that evening and a police car was at the scene. An officer at the scene could give no details.

Dorset Police said the incident was being led by British Transport Police (BTP). 

On Saturday, BTP said on Twitter: “Officers attended an incident at Dorchester South railway station last night following reports of an altercation. A crime scene has been set up in the main car park.”

Sugan Than, owner of Moorland Express newsagents in Copper Street, said he was given a message from his employee, who was working on Friday night which said that an 18 year old was stabbed in the area outside on Friday night.

He reported seeing seven police cars, an ambulance and paramedics, and the road was closed.

His employee said there was a group of youngsters hanging around and that a fight broke out in the car park. 

Mr Than added: “Early (Saturday) morning police were looking around the plant pots and the car park.”

A patient at Dorset County Hospital said a young man of 17 or 18 was brought into A&E on Friday night with two stab wounds following the fight at the station. They said police seized his clothing for evidence.

The patient said a group of young people, thought to be known to the victim, later turned up at the hospital and police had to be called.

A spokesman for BTP said: “Officers were called to Dorchester South railway station, Copper Street, on Friday after a report that a person had been assaulted.

“On arrival at the station, officers, together with support of the ambulance service located a male who had sustained injuries and conveyed to hospital for assessment and treatment. The injuries are not considered life changing.

“The incident is being investigated as a crime scene and suspects have been identified. BT Police officers have advised next of kin."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 575 of 30/11/18. Or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

•  Additional reporting by Sam Beamish

Police at the station, below  Picture: FINNBARR WEBSTER