Machete attack at Bournemouth migrant hotel leads to GBH arrest

A man has been arrested on suspicion of GBH after an alleged machete attack at the Chine Hotel in Bournemouth. The victim was taken to hospital with a head injury not considered life-threatening.

Suspect held after machete incident at Bournemouth asylum hotel

A man has been arrested following an alleged machete attack at a migrant hotel in Bournemouth, The Sun reports.

Dorset Police received a call at 12.40pm after a man was reportedly seen in possession of a machete in Boscombe Chine Gardens. During the altercation that followed, a man sustained an injury to his head and was taken to hospital. Officers said the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The suspect, who was seen being led from the building by officers and placed into a police van, was arrested on suspicion of causing attempted grievous bodily harm. Armed police were among those who responded at the scene.

The incident took place at the Chine Hotel — one of three properties in the Bournemouth area that the Home Office has contracted to house asylum seekers. The Victorian seafront hotel, which in its heyday hosted performers including Dame Vera Lynn and Laurel & Hardy, has been closed to the general public since its conversion into asylum accommodation.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: "We received a report at 12.40pm today of a man in possession of a machete in Boscombe Chine Gardens. It is reported that during an altercation a man sustained an injury to his head. He has been taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing attempted grievous bodily harm."

The force added that an increased police presence would remain in the area while enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

Source: The Sun