A WOMAN in her 20s was taken to hospital following reports of an assault near Weymouth beach.

Detectives investigating a reported assault on a woman in Weymouth town centre are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

At 11pm on Friday, September 24 officers were called by members of the public to reports of the alleged assault involving a man and a woman in the area of Alexandra Gardens.

A woman aged in her 20s sustained multiple fractures to her face and was taken to hospital for treatment. She has since been released from hospital.

A search of the area was carried out by officers and a 27-year-old man of no fixed abode, who is known to the victim, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Police Sergeant Gareth Jones, of Weymouth CID, said: “We know the woman and man were in the area of The Esplanade and Alexandra Gardens prior to the incident and I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened to please contact Dorset Police as they may be able to 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 55210154985. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.