A MAN 'punched out' at another man and made several homophobic comments while walking his dog near a trading estate.

At around 8pm on August 28 the victims, two local men, were walking their two dogs behind the St Andrews Trading Estate, in an area where there are two small enclosed compounds in which they could let their dogs off their leads.

A man approached and asked if he could use the same compound that they were in to let his dog off the lead. The couple explained that one of their dogs was a rescue dog that needed further training and asked if the man could use the other enclosure instead.

The man became abusive and punched out at one of the men, before making a number of homophobic comments.

Police Constable Dan White, of West Dorset police, said: “We take all reports of hate crime extremely seriously and are carrying out a full investigation into this incident.

“We have obtained an image of a man we would like to speak to as part of our enquiries and I would urge anyone with information as to his identity to please contact us.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area and witnessed this altercation.”

A man has come forward in connection with the alleged hate crime.

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 55210139280. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.