A man in his 20s was cycling along the A31 toward Ringwood at approximately 4.45pm on Wednesday 29 March when he approached a temporary lane closure.

It is reported that a green or grey Volvo estate approached at speed and braked heavily, before sounding his horn at the cyclist.

The cyclist approached the driver of the Volvo, before riding away.

A collision subsequently was reported to have occurred near to Sainsbury’s Petrol Station involving the Volvo and the cyclist. The driver of the car got out and spat at the cyclist, before leaving the scene.

The cyclist did not sustain any serious injuries.

The Volvo driver is described as five feet nine inches tall and of average build with dark messy hair. He was wearing a navy dark blue bomber jacket.

Police Constable William Saunders, of East Dorset police, said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage, to please come forward.

“I would also like to ask the driver of the Volvo to please come forward so we can take your account of what happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230048706. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.