A MAN suffered serious injuries in a horrific assault when his head was allegedly forced into a metal railing on Weymouth seafront.

It happened in the late afternoon and was probably witnessed by shocked passers-by, police said.

A man has been arrested over the alleged incident.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward following the reported assault.

They said sometime between 4.30pm and 6pm on Monday of this week, a man had just stepped off the number 10 bus (from Dorchester) at the King's Statue bus stop on The Esplanade when it is alleged his head was forced into a metal railing.

It is understood these are the railings of the gents public toilets on the beach side of the Esplanade where the Dorchester bus stops.

The timescale of the assault has come from the victim and officers are making enquiries to narrow the time down.

The victim, a local man aged in his 20s, sustained multiple fractures to his jaw and has had to undergo surgery to have metal plates put into his jaw and cheek.

The alleged offender is described as having long hair worn in a ponytail and was wearing dark clothing and a dark-coloured beanie hat.

Detective Constable Sean Garrett, of Weymouth CID, said: “I know there were a number of people on the bus and in the area at the time of the incident and I would urge anyone who saw the incident and has yet to speak to officers to please contact Dorset Police.”

A 42-year-old man from Portland has been arrested on suspicion of assault and grievous bodily harm and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries until the end of November 2016.

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 55160157860. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.