A local man in his 40s was cycling with his family in Lewens Lane at around 9.30pm on Saturday 6 August when he was assaulted.

As the family crossed a narrow part of the pavement, they passed a large group of people.

It is reported that the male cyclist was assaulted by a number of men from the group. During the incident, the victim was hit with a bottle and sustained a laceration on his face. A member of the public intervened and the offenders left in the direction of Leigh Road.

Police Constable Kelly Cole, of Dorset Police, said: “We are continuing to investigate this incident and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed what happened to please come forward.

“I would also ask motorists to please check their dashcam for any relevant footage as this incident occurred on a busy road.”

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 55220127862. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.