A community has spoken of its shock after a man was discovered seriously injured on Portland.

Police are trying to establish how the man sustained his injuries and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Officers say the man may have had fallen in an accident as he made his way home along a

path which goes up towards Fortuneswell from Chiswell promenade.

Officers were alerted by the ambulance service at 7.40pm last Friday to reports that a local man aged in his 60s had been discovered seriously injured.

Police described the location as “near to the steps on Clovens Road close to the junction with Killicks Hill”.

He remains in hospital receiving treatment to a serious head injury, though his condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

Enquiries by the police have established that the man left the Cove House Inn at Chiswell around 7.20pm and began to walk home.

His route took him south along the promenade that forms the sea wall towards Quiddles Café.

Barbara Perry, owner of Quiddles, said: “I haven’t heard of anything like that happen until today.

“It would have been very dark when he was out walking, and I can only hope he is okay.”

Red Rogers, server at The Cove House Inn, served the man before his accident.

She said: “He walks that way every single night.

“We were all in shock when we heard.

“He’s such a nice person, and it’s a shame that something like this has happened to him.

“We’ve just been told that he has got a head injury, so we hope he recovers soon.”

A resident of the area said: “I use (the steps) often and have had no problem with them.

“It was fine when I just came down too.

“I wish him all the best with his recovery.”

Another resident, David Holt, said: “That’s the problem with Portland, it’s all loose stones and steps.

“I’m surprised he even took that route so at night, and in the dark too.”

Detective Constable Declan Cummings, of Weymouth CID, said: “At this time we do not know how this man sustained his injuries and it could be that he has received them as a result of an accident.

“However, I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of the promenade at the relevant time and may have seen the man or what happened to him.

“I would ask any witnesses or anyone with information to please contact Dorset police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 55180021452.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.