A MAN was assaulted whilst on a bike ride with his nine-year-old daughter.

The incident occurred on the Ridgeway Trail on Monday, August 4 at about 12.30pm.

It took place on a cycle path near the bridge on the brow of the trail.

The victim, a 44-year-old man from Weymouth, was cycling with his nine-year-old daughter when another cyclist verbally abused him and punched him in the face.

The man sustained cuts to the inside of his mouth, marks to his face and an injured thumb.

Police say the offender then climbed back on his bike and rode off in the direction of the Littlemoor roundabout.

The offender is described as white, in his late forties, approximately six feet tall and wearing a cream t-shirt.

Cllr Kevin Brookes, who represents Upwey and Broadwey for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said he was surprised to hear of the incident.

He said: “To my knowledge I don't think anything like this has happened before.

“I would support the police's appeal for witnesses.

“I'm surprised this sort of thing would happen anywhere, let along there.

“I hope the guy is not too badly hurt and he's able to help police with their enquiries. “It's not the sort of thing you'd expect when you go out for an afternoon bike ride.”

Police Constable, Daniel Kitton of Weymouth police, said: “This incident left the victim very shocked.

“As it took place in broad daylight there may have been people around who saw what happened.

“I am appealing for anyone who saw the incident or who saw a man cycling near the brow of the Ridgway, around 12.30pm on Monday 4 August 2014, to come forward.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 4:171.