Assault on council traffic warden on Weymouth seafront

Dorset Council has reported the nasty road rage incident to Dorset Police following the assault on the man on Weymouth seafront at the weekend.

The authority said one of its civil enforcement officers, uniformed employees who look after parking and traffic matters, was assaulted on Sunday afternoon while on duty in Weymouth.

He was punched by a male motorist, in the parking bays outside the Pier Bandstand, at around 2pm on Sunday.

It happened near a ticket machine in the parking bays and it is understood the officer was punched in the jaw.

Although not hospitalised, the victim was left 'very shaken', the council said.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A Dorset Council spokesman said the authority urged anyone who saw what happened or knows anything to contact the force to help find the person responsible.

They said: "Unfortunately, CCTV footage is not forthcoming so we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this assault, to please get in touch with Dorset Police.

"Assaults like this on our front-line colleagues are sadly becoming more frequent and it's just not acceptable."

The seafront was busy on Sunday afternoon – it was the first weekend that dogs are allowed back on the main Weymouth Beach.

And following a wet and windy Saturday, Sunday was a fine day which brought many people out for a walk.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "Dorset Police was called at 2.03pm on Sunday, November 3 to a report of an assault on The Esplanade near to the Pier Bandstand in Weymouth.

"It was reported that a Civil Enforcement Officer was punched in the face by a man. They did not sustain any injuries.

"Enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made."

*Witnesses and anyone with information can contact contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 03:262. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.