An eight-year-old boy escaped serious injury when he was hit in the lower back with a ball bearing at around 7pm on Monday 20 June whilst he was in Potterne Park with his family.

Police Constable Kelly Cole, of East Dorset police, said: “Thankfully the victim did not sustain serious injuries, however, there could have been serious consequences and this type of dangerous behaviour will simply not be tolerated.

“An investigation is underway and I am appealing to anyone who was in the park at the time and witnessed what happened to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220098717. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.