Dorset Police received a report that a man in his 40s, who was walking with a friend, was approached by four men and assaulted between 10.15pm and 10.45pm on Saturday 12 March in an alleyway between Magpie Close and Chesildene Drive.

The victim was knocked unconscious and attended hospital for treatment to facial injuries and a broken shoulder.

The incident was reported to Dorset Police at around 11.40am on Tuesday 15 March.

Police Constable Rhiannon Price, of Dorset Police, said: “We are continuing to investigate this assault and have been carrying out enquiries in the area, including checking for home CCTV systems.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed what happened to please get in touch.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a group of men acting suspiciously in the vicinity of the alleyway around the relevant time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220041728. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.