Anyone who witnessed a serious assault in Bournemouth on Sunday 28 February is asked to contact the police.

Between 7.30pm and 8pm it is alleged that a man approached a woman on Droxford Road at the junction with Christchurch Road and made threats to hurt her. The man reportedly hit the woman to the head causing her to fall to the floor, before kicking her multiple times.

It is also reported that the man damaged the victim’s mobile phone.

The victim – a woman aged in her 20s from Bournemouth – sustained bruising to her forehead and eye, as well as injuries to her hand and leg.

Following the incident, the victim walked in the area of Harewood Avenue, Lascelles Road and Christchurch Road for around 30 minutes. During this time, it is reported that she was followed by the man.

A 21-year-old man from Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, assault, criminal damage and stalking. He is currently assisting detectives with their enquiries.

The victim and arrested man are known to each other.

Detective Inspector Andrew Kennard, of Bournemouth CID, said, “I understand a man approached the victim on Harewood Avenue to check if she was all right and I would like to appeal directly to him to come forward as he may have important information to assist my enquiries.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed what happened following the incident or any motorists who were travelling in the area and may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210033713. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.