TWO POLICE helicopters were seen circling the area of West Howe hours after a woman was stabbed. 

Police officers and paramedics rushed to Rochester Road at around 12.30am following reports of an assault. 

On arrival, it was found that a woman was stabbed at a home during the early hours of Monday morning, April 29. 

The victim was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment of injuries that police are describing as “serious” but not believed to be life-threatening. 

Police helicopters were seen flying for over two and a half hours across Bournemouth searching for a suspect in relation to the incident. 

A spokesperson for NPAS said: "At 1405hrs, on Monday 29 April 2024, a police helicopter crew from NPAS Exeter was deployed to the Bournemouth area to support Dorset Police in a suspect search.

"At 1520hrs the crew was relieved by a second police helicopter crew from NPAS Bournemouth.

"The total flying time for both aircraft was two hours and 35 minutes."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Officers investigating the reported stabbing in Rochester Road in Bournemouth during the early hours of Monday 29 April 2024 were supported by NPAS helicopters as they conducted searches and enquiries in relation to the matter on the afternoon of Monday 29 April 2024."

When approached about the reason behind the suspect search, a spokesperson for the force said: "This remains an ongoing investigation and we are unable to give any further update at this time."