A FOREIGN student needed life-saving treatment following an early morning attack in Bournemouth.

The 21-year-old from the Ukraine, who has not been identified by police, was set upon in the town's Christchurch Road at about 1am on Saturday by a man wielding a bottle.

The attack happened between Boscombe Spa Road and Wharncliffe Road.

A Dorset police spokesman said: "The man struck the victim on the forearm, with the bottle, as he was trying to protect his head."

He added that the student had suffered a cut to an artery in his wrist and was "bleeding profusely" by the time that paramedics arrived at the scene.

He was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for emergency treatment to stem the blood loss.

Investigating officer DC Matt Stacey told the Daily Echo that, following surgery on Saturday, the student's life was no longer in danger.

He said: "This was a particularly vicious attack on a foreign student as he walked home.

"First-aid by friends at his nearby accommodation and hospital treatment undoubtedly helped save his life.

"I'm particularly keen to speak to anyone who drove along Christchurch Road between 12.30 am and 1.30 am on Saturday and saw the incident."

After visiting the victim in hospital, DC Stacey said he was making a good recovery but expected him to remain in hospital for a few days.

* Police are appealing for witnesses to contact DC Stacey at Bournemouth CID on 01202 222222 or phone the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.