A man required surgery after being punched in the head from behind in an early-hours attack.

Officers investigating the assault in Weymouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

The assault occurred on The Esplanade between Aura and the Lazy Lizard at around 3am on Sunday, December 22.

Police have only just been able to get full details from the victim.

The victim, a man aged in his 20s, was punched to the head from behind and knocked to the ground.

He sustained lacerations to his eyebrow and knee and fractures to his hand that subsequently required surgery.

The matter was reported to Dorset Police on Tuesday 7 January 2020.

Police Constable Ryan Lloyd, of Weymouth police, said: “We appreciate this incident was some time ago now but we have just been able to obtain a full account from the victim after they have received medical treatment.

"He has sustained nasty injuries in an unprovoked attack and we are carrying out a full investigation to identify the offender.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault or who has any information about who is responsible to please contact us.

“I understand several members of the public came to the aid of the victim following the incident and I would be keen to speak to these people to see if they have any information that can assist our investigation.”

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 55200003039. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.