Police have launched an investigation after a seriously injured man was found near a university, prompting students to be told to stay home this morning.
Police were called to the scene in Boscombe, Bournemouth, outside the AECC University College, at around 7.30am.
The man, aged in his 30s, had sustained a head injury and was taken to hospital.
Investigating police believe he was assaulted the night before and had been outside the education facility since 10.30pm on Monday.
A police cordon is still in place on the road to allow examinations by forensic officers.
Witnesses reporting seeing red spatter, believed to be blood, was on the wall of a nearby property while officers put markers around a vehicle in a nearby car park which is closed to the public.
Lectures were postponed at the AECC University College as a result of the incident.
Students were contacted and told to stay at home until further notice and no teaching will take place in the main building and Cavendish House until noon.
Lesley Haig, vice-chancellor, said: “There has been an incident, as far as we know not involving any staff or students here.
“We are waiting for the police to give us more information. Students still accessing the site although we have postponed our lectures, we expect to be fully open later, there’s no immediate risk to staff or students on site."
Detective Inspector Stefanie Belton, of Bournemouth CID, said: “A full investigation is underway to establish how the man sustained his injuries.
“Following initial enquiries, we believe the man was assaulted and has been outside the college since around 10.30pm on Monday 14 February 2022 with injuries.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to please come forward.
“If you have any information that may help us understand how the man became injured, please contact Dorset Police immediately.
“Local officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the area and can be approached by anyone in the community with any information or concerns.”
