A thug barged an 11-year-old boy into a road and into the path of a car in what police described as a ‘nasty’ assault.

Community leaders have condemned the unprovoked attack as police hunt for the man responsible.

The incident happened in the morning on Weston Road, Portland, near to the junction with Courtlands Road.

Police said the victim was riding his micro-scooter along the pavement when he saw a man cross the road and walk toward him in the opposite direction. Out of the blue, the man swore at the boy before barging him into the road.

The victim got up quickly as a car was approaching. He did not sustain any physical injuries.

Officers are now appealing for information following the assault.

The offender is described as white, aged in his late 40s and around 5ft 10 ins tall.

He was bald with a small amount of grey hair on the sides of his head.

He was wearing a black puffer jacket with a white logo and blue baggy jeans with rips on them.

The assault happened at around 7.35am on Wednesday, February 6.

PC Kim Williams, of Dorset Police, said: “This was a nasty and unprovoked assault on a young boy.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who is able to identify the man described to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would also ask the driver of the car to come forward as they may have information that could assist with the investigation.”

Mayor of Portland Charlie Flack said he was disturbed by the attack and urged people to assist in finding the perpetrator.

“It’s quite worrying something like this has happened. There is no way an adult should have acted in that way. It could have ended in tragedy as it’s a busy road and one of the main roads on the island,” Cllr Flack said.

Cllr Flack appealed for witnesses or anyone with dash cam to come forward and assist police.

“This happened in the morning when there is lots of works traffic, early starters at school and buses going along that route. Someone must have seen something. It’s very disturbing that this sort of event has taken place,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 55190019375.