On Tuesday 30 March 2021, between 1.30pm and 2pm the victim – a woman aged in her 20s – was walking two Samoyed dogs at Lake Pier when a Staffordshire Bull Terrier approached them.

It is reported that as one of the Samoyed dogs was in the water, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier pinned the other dog underwater.

The victim pulled the Staffordshire Bull Terrier off of her dog, before she was approached by the owner.

The female owner of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier punched the victim in the side of the chest and then shouted abuse at her.

The woman is described as white, aged in her late 40s or early 50s, five feet eight inches tall and of stocky build. She was wearing a black vest top, leggings and black ankle boots. She was also with a man who had a black and white Terrier dog on the lead.

Chris Wilson, police community support investigator, of Poole police, said: “I understand there were a number of people in the area at the time who may have witnessed what happened and I would ask them to please come forward.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who recognises the owner of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier from the description given.”

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 55210050208. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.