Witnesses are sought after male teenagers attacked a man outside the Co-op in Crown Mead at approximately 6.40pm on Monday 5 February.

The victim – a man in his 40s – was taken to hospital for treatment to head and facial injuries.

Officers attended and spoke to the victim, but the offenders had left the scene.

Police Constable Mia Jakeman, of East Dorset police, said: “This was a nasty unprovoked assault on a vulnerable man and an investigation is being carried out into the circumstances.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened, or has information about those involved, to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240018714. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.