Two people have been arrested and remain in police custody after a young girl was stabbed to death.

Officers received a report at 5.45pm BST on Tuesday that a girl had suffered stab wounds at an address in Glider Close, Christchurch, Dorset Police said.

The girl, who is reportedly around eight years old, was taken to hospital for treatment; her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police said a Christchurch man aged in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and a local woman in her 50s was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting a crime.

Ch Supt Stewart Dipple said: “Police presence in the area is increased as officers at the scene conduct investigations.”

“I appeal to anyone who was in the area and saw what happened, or who has any information that could assist our investigation, to please come forward.

“Our investigation is still at an early stage and we ask the public not to speculate about the circumstances of the incident at this time.

“I understand this is a cause for concern and we will have members of our neighbourhood policing team on patrol in the coming days who will be available to the public.”

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