A MAN was injured after a row broke out between two drivers outside a Weymouth convenience store.

The man, aged in his 40s, sustained injuries to his face and hand during the assault outside a branch of Co-op on Chickerell Road, Dorset Police said.

It is alleged that the altercation took place after a driver came “speeding” into the car park at the branch near the Curtis Way development.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Dorset Police was called at 7.54pm on Monday February 17 to a report of an assault outside Co-op on Chickerell Road in Weymouth.

“It was reported that a man was in his car when another car came speeding into the car park. An altercation occurred between the two drivers. The man, aged in his 40s, sustained injuries to his face and hand.

"It is alleged that a second man was assaulted and sustained injuries to his head and face.

"Following enquiries by officers, a 40-year-old Weymouth man was arrested on suspicion of assault a short time after the incident. He is currently assisting officers with their enquiries.”

Dorset Police confirmed that the man has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

A nearby resident, Mike Taylor, described being at the scene.

He said: “I saw some blue lights flashing past my house and the estate before I left my house to go to the shop. As I walked up the road, I was approached by a police officer who asked where I had come from and if I had seen (a vehicle matching a description).

“I told him I hadn’t and continued walking up the road. Outside the Co-op, I walked past a small group of people talking to a police officer. The shop worker inside the Co-op said it was in relation to an assault outside the Co-op.

“I’ve lived here for around six months but I have never seen or heard about any crime in the area so this is unusual. I hope the man is ok.”

Cllr Gill Taylor, who represents Weymouth’s Westham West ward, said she was “shocked” by the incident. “Firstly, I hope the person who was injured is ok and getting the support he needs,” she said.

“Something like this is very unusual in this area and I’m quite shocked it has happened in such a peaceful part of the town – hopefully it’s just a one-off. I’m glad it is being dealt with by the police. If anyone has any information that could help with their enquiries, no matter how small it may seem, please get in touch with the police.”