A man in his 80s was assaulted in the early hours of the morning when his motorhome was targeted by offenders.

At around 2.20am on Thursday 5 May the victim and his wife were asleep in their motorhome, which was parked in Kingland Road near to Poole Park, when a black car – possibly a Volkswagen Golf – pulled up alongside them and three men approached the motorhome.

It is believed they were trying to cause damage or steal from the motorhome and the victim went out to confront them. He was subjected to an assault that left him with cuts to his arm and hand as well as bruising and swelling to his forehead. He required hospital treatment and stitches as a result.

The offenders smashed the windows of the motorhome before leaving in their vehicle, making off in the direction of the Dolphin Centre.

Police Constable Jonathan Pryer, of Poole police, said: “This was a violent and unprovoked attack that has understandably caused considerable distress to the elderly couple who were targeted, as well as injuries to the male victim and damage to their property.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity and witnessed any suspicious activity, or who has any information that might assist our ongoing enquiries, to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would also urge anyone who was driving in the area around the time of the incident to please check any dashcam footage for anything of relevance.”

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 55220070585. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.