A MOB of youths rampaged through Dorchester last night carrying out a string of vicious assaults.

The four-strong gang left nine victims in their wake as they ran riot from 7pm until 3am.

The violence started in the Borough Gardens between 7pm and 8pm, when 26-year-old Mark Antell was left with such serious injuries he was still in hospital this morning.

The gang then moved on to Salisbury Fields, where a group of four others were assaulted just before midnight.

Another four people were attacked at the Rugby Club on Coburg Road at around 2am.

Police have launched an investigation into the trail of terror and former Dorchester mayor John Antell, grandfather of victim Mark, has demanded harsh senetnces for the thugs.

Mr Antell said: "These animals have to be sent down.

"Mark came home covered in blood and is in a real state with facial injuries, they also kicked him in his kidneys and all over his body.

"I was with him at the hospital until 1.30 this morning and staff are talking about doing an X-ray this morning because he has a possible fracture.

"These were unprovoked attacks, not only on my boy but other people as well."

Police are quizzing four men from Dorchester - who were found in the Victoria Park area at around 3am - in connection with charges of violent disorder.

Inspector Andy Mason said: "A number of young people have been assaulted by this same group. "I don't know if they were drunk or on drugs, but it is as if they wandered through the town and decided they would execute some unprovoked attacks on groups and one individual.

"It is a most unusual incident for Dorchester and that is why we are taking it so very seriously."

Police have urgently appealed for anybody with information to contact them on 01305 226801.