A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy was assaulted in a park in Dorchester, police said.

The boy was left shocked and upset after he was pushed off a swing by a man.

Police describe it as an 'unusual incident" and say they will be stepping up patrols in the area as a result to reassure people.

Witnesses are sought in a bid to track the offender down.

Dorset Police said sometime between 5pm and 5.20pm on Saturday, June 25, a nine-year-old boy was playing alone in a park in Woodland Crescent in the Poundbury area when he was approached by a man and pushed off a swing.

The offender is described as between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall and of slim build. He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up, light blue jeans and shoes with the Nike 'tick'. The sole was a different colour to the shoe. One of the laces was undone.

He was seen to leave the park and walk toward Sheepdown Road, into Whitecross Square and along Harewood Road.

The boy was understandably upset following the incident, officers said.

Detective Inspector Kate Lill, of Weymouth CID, said: “This was a very unusual incident and I am appealing for the public’s help to identify the man responsible.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw a man matching the description given in the vicinity of the park at around 5pm on Saturday evening. If you have any information, please contact Dorset Police urgently."

She added: “Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area over the coming days to reassure the community.”

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 incident number 25:321. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.