POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was punched in the head and struck to the face with wood by a group of teenagers in Weymouth.

At around 9.15pm on Wednesday 11 May 2022 a man aged in his 50s was walking in Bayard Road when he saw a group of teenagers kicking a fence and went to challenge them about their behaviour. The man was subsequently assaulted by the group, he was punched several times to the head and struck with a piece of wood in the face.

The victim sustained injuries to his face, head and neck as well as an injury to his arm.

Police Constable Connor Lombardo, of Weymouth police, said: “This was a nasty assault and we are carrying out a detailed investigation to identify those responsible.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that might assist our enquiries, to please get in touch.

“Also, I would also like to hear from any residents or motorists who may have captured anything relevant on home CCTV systems or dashcam footage.”

Chief Inspector Andy Edwards, of the Dorset County Neighbourhood Policing command area, added: “We are aware of ongoing concerns relating to anti-social behaviour in the Littlemoor area and we continue to carry out enhanced patrols on a regular basis.

“Where appropriate, we will seek to use enforcement powers and partnership resources to address the behaviour of those causing issues in the local community.

“This work forms part of Operation Relentless, the Force’s drive to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB). The operation aims to remind residents and visitors that Dorset Police takes a tough approach to ASB and sends a very clear message to those involved that it simply will not be tolerated in the county.

“We would encourage everyone to please report incidents of anti-social behaviour to Dorset Police. These reports help us to build an intelligence picture across the area to find out where anti-social behaviour is occurring and to direct patrols to any areas that have increased reporting of ASB.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220074907. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.