POLICE in North Dorset are appealing for witnesses after an alleged assault on an officer and criminal damage in Shaftesbury.

Two people have been arrested and one man charged in relation to the incident, which happened at approximately 9pm on December 27 at Stour Row village hall following a Christmas party. Police officers were called to reports of a large group of intoxicated teenagers causing criminal damage outside the venue.

One officer was injured after allegedly being struck over the head with a beer bottle while another officer suffered an injury to his elbow.

They were treated by paramedics at the scene and neither required hospital treatment.

Damage was also caused to a fence and window at a property in Stour Row.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident reference number 27:372.