A man was thrown to the floor and beaten up by thugs – one of whom was carrying a knife.

Police are appealing for information after the shocking night-time incident in Chickerell.

The victim, a man aged in his 20s, was walking along Putton Lane near to Bennetts Water Gardens when he was confronted by two men.

One of the men approached the victim, threw him to the ground, punched him in the head and then slammed his head into the ground. The other man was seen to have a knife.

The victim suffered swelling and grazes to his head.

Cllr Jean Dunseith who represents Chickerell on Dorset Council said she was shocked to hear about the attack.

She said: “I was very surprised to hear about the incident. It’s normally, well the whole area in fact, is quiet and peaceful.

“It’s very distressing and I feel very sorry for the victim. This isn’t what you expect to happen when you walk around Chickerell.

“I would ask any witnesses or anyone who saw or heard the attack to speak with Dorset Police.”

A resident of Putton Lane who didn’t want to be named, said: “It’s normally a very quiet area. The only noise we get is when the children go to school in the morning. But all the neighbours are fantastic.”

Police said the suspects were wearing black clothing, hooded tops and their lower faces were covered. One possibly had Adidas stripes down the side of their clothing.

PC John Kirk, of Weymouth police, said: “This incident happened in a secluded area and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and either saw or heard anything suspicious to please contact me.”

The incident happened at around 9.30pm on Wednesday, October 2, but police only released details today.

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 55190155696. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.