A MAN who tried to split up an early morning fight in Poole town centre was repeatedly punched in the jaw.

The victim, aged in his 20s from Poole, broke his finger and suffered a bruised jaw in the attack, which unfolded at Poole High Street, close to the Taco Bell restaurant between 12.20-12.40am on Saturday.

Police say the assault took place after two men came across a fight outside the restaurant.

One of them, the eventual victim, tried to intervene, but was approached by another man and repeatedly punched in the jaw.

Police Constable Cara Bradley, of Poole police, said: "I understand there were a number of people in the area who witnessed the incident and I would urge anyone who has not already spoken to police to please get in touch."

The offender is described as white, aged around 20 to 22 years old, five feet 11 inches tall and of medium build with stubble on his face and dark-coloured hair that was slicked back.

He was wearing a grey and white checked shirt and shorts.