When the Verwood resident realised that a group of men in a black SUV-type vehicle were attempting to tow his van off the driveway at around 11.50pm on Saturday 4 March he went out to challenge them.

However, he was struck by a projectile that was believed to have been fired by a catapult, causing a laceration to his cheek. He was also struck by some kind of metal bar or tool and was taken to hospital for treatment to a broken arm.

It is not believed anything was stolen by the offenders and they left the scene in the black SUV in the direction of Manor Lane.

The offenders are described as a group of four or five men, wearing dark clothing and gloves with their faces covered.

Detective Inspector Dave Horn, of Dorset County CID, said: “This must have been a very distressing incident for the victim, and we are carrying out a full investigation to identify those involved.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on the night of Saturday 4 March, particularly concerning a black SUV type vehicle, to please contact us.

“I would also urge members of the public in the vicinity to check any home CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage for anything that might assist our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230034587. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.