Police have launched an investigation after a serious assault in Weymouth.

Officers said a man suffered a serious head injury in an incident at a flat at Chapelhay.

A block of flats at Chapelhay Heights, off Franchise Street, and a communal garden was cordoned off as detectives and forensic teams worked at the scene on Saturday.

Police are appealing for witnesses as they investigate the incident. A man was arrested. However, police said today that the 30-year-old local man has been released on bail while enquiries continue. 

It was initially feared the victim’s injuries were life threatening but this is no longer thought to be the case

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “We were called at 9.46am on Saturday to reports of a disturbance at an address at Chapelhay Heights in Weymouth. A man aged in his 20s was located having sustained a serious head injury. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

“A 30-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and is assisting offices with enquiries.

“Any witnesses or people with information should contact Dorset Police.”

The block where the assault happened is at the far end of the estate towards Love Lane. It can be accessed via Chapelhay Heights, off Franchise Street, and Chapelhay Street. A police cordon was in place at the entrance to the flats and to the rear of the building. A police officer stood guard, while specialist officers searched the garden. It is understood the assault took place in a flat on the first floor of the building and officers were also seen there.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the injured man was brought down from the first floor of the flat on a stretcher and was being given oxygen by paramedics.

They said: “It was horrible. I saw everything cordoned off, and the bloke on a stretcher.”

The resident claimed: “It isn’t safe for children around here, it’s dangerous.

“There’s been fights, you can hear screaming and shouting and there’s arguments late at night.”

Residents said they saw the police searching the area and thought they may have been looking for a weapon.

Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Graham Winter, is backing the police appeal.

He said: “I express my sympathy for the victim. I urge anyone with any information relating to this incident to contact police.”

* Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting occurrence number 55190155790.