A young man has died after being stabbed to death outside a Subway shop.
The 21-year-old victim was found with stab injuries on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth town centre at around 4.44am on Saturday.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and the man was taken to hospital, where he died.
His family has been informed and the coroner notified, Dorset Police confirmed in a official statement.
A police cordon is in place and Old Christchurch Road is closed between the junctions of Madeira Road and Lorne Park Road.
No arrests have been made and the attacker remains at large.
Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said police have launched a murder investigation and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
He said: “A full and detailed investigation is under way into this incident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this very difficult time.
“I would urge anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to officers to please contact Dorset Police immediately.
“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed what happened, or captured anything of relevance on home CCTV or dashcam, to please come forward.
“As we undertake our early investigations, a cordon remains in place to allow officers and crime scene investigators to carry out their examinations.
“I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while this vital work takes place.
“Members of the public will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team can be approached with any concerns.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 12:101. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
