ARMED police were called after reports a woman had been shot with an air gun in Blandford Forum.

The victim had been getting out of her car, in Langton Road, when she was shot in the upper arm. The woman, in her 30s, was taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries which are described as serious but not life threatening.

The shooting happened just after 3pm on Saturday, August 9.

Armed police searched the area and arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Police are now appealing for witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Jeremy Cuff, of Weymouth CID, said: “A full investigation is under way into this incident.

“I am appealing to anyone who either witnessed the incident, saw anything suspicious in the period leading up to it taking place or captured relevant footage on mobile phones or dashcam to please contact Dorset Police.”

Residents of nearby flats today described dramatic scenes as armed police search the area before arresting a man.

One resident of Archway House flats said: "The first I heard was when police knocked on my door just after 3pm to ask me if I had heard anything because a woman had just been shot from the direction of this building. I replied that I didn't hear anything and I kept an eye on what was going on.

"Police came back up and told everyone to get in their houses and then blocked off paths and roads and then proceeded to surround the block of flats, all pointing guns up at the windows with shields.

"I really hope the woman is ok."

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: "Dorset Police was called at 3.17pm on Sunday 9 August 2020 by the ambulance service to reports a woman had been shot with a BB gun as she was getting out of her car on Langton Road.

"The victim, a woman aged in her 30s, was taken to hospital for treatment, which subsequently established she had been shot in the upper arm with an air weapon. Her injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200118092. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.