A police officer was injured while making an arrest in Dorchester in which a Taser was used.

It comes after Dorset Police units were called to reports of disturbance involving two men in Dorchester town centre at just before 10.30am yesterday.

It was alleged that one of them had assaulted a member of the public in High West Street causing a minor injury.

Officers responded and apprehended two people in nearby Princes Street, close to the Borough Gardens.

A Taser was discharged by officers during the arrest of one of the suspects, the force confirmed.

An onlooker, who wished to remain anonymous, said he saw police cars rush to the scene.

He said: “There were about five police cars parked near to the Borough Gardens.”

Police said a 16-year-old boy from Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class C drug, assaulting a police officer and possessing a stun device. He was taken to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester as a precaution.

A 19-year-old man from Dorchester was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place, obstructing or resisting an officer in the execution of their duty, possession of cannabis and assault. He is assisting officers with enquiries.

An officer sustained a minor injury during the incident and was also taken to Dorset County Hospital for a check-up.

Mayor of Dorchester David Taylor said: “It must have been horrible to see something like this at such a time in the morning.

“I’d like to say thank you to the police officers who carried out the arrests for doing such a courageous job and neutralising the situation.”

Discussing the use of Tasers in arrests, Cllr Taylor said: “If people are acting aggressively towards police officers and those officers feel as though they’re being threatened, they should use Tasers.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses

Dorset Police was called at 10.26am yesterday to reports of a man who was believed to be intoxicated walking in the road in High West Street.

Officers attended and a male suspect made off from them, heading up High West Street to the Top O’Town roundabout before turning left into Cornwall Road and then into Princes Street, where he was detained.

Both of the arrested males are assisting officers with enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Simon Austin, of Weymouth CID, said: “We are carrying out an investigation into this matter and I am appealing to any witnesses to it or behaviour of those involved prior to the incident to contact us.”

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 occurrence number 55190034442. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.