A MAN suffered facial fractures after he was attacked in Bournemouth town centre on Friday evening - hours before a casualty fell ill in the same area during an unrelated incident.

The victim, a Poole man in his 30s, had been sitting on a bench at Horseshoe Common at around 5pm when three men walked up to him.

One of the men then punched and kicked the victim a number of times before making off from the scene in a car.

The victim suffered fractures to his eye socket and cheekbone. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He has been released under investigation while the inquiry continues.

Police say the two men are believed to be known to one another.

Detective Constable Dave Pearce of Bournemouth CID said a number of people saw the attack being carried out.

Anyone who has not yet spoken to police should call 101 quoting 55180200623.

Hours after the attack, at around 11pm, paramedics were called to Horseshoe Common after a man fell ill in a separate incident.

The man was rushed to hospital. He is not thought to be in a life-threatening condition.