THE MAYOR of Weymouth said she was 'disgusted' to hear a man in his 40s was attacked and robbed by a group of 'axe-wielding' teenagers along a cycle route.

Police are appealing to the public for any information about the 'unprovoked nasty attack' which happened on Saturday night (June 4) along the Rodwell Trail during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations.

Dorset Echo: Weymouth's Rodwell Trail entrance, just off Abbotsbury RoadWeymouth's Rodwell Trail entrance, just off Abbotsbury Road

Police said the victim was cycling along the trail behind Weymouth Outdoor Centre when he was attacked by four teenagers.

It was reported that one of the teenage boys had an axe and another had a knife. During the incident the victim sustained injuries to his head, arm and leg and he was taken to hospital for treatment.

In response, Mayor of Weymouth Ann Weaving said she was 'upset and disgusted' - and that she blames the education system.

She said: "All I can say is that I blame the education system.

"Children and teenagers don't have a clue nowadays about basic good behaviour. Most children don't know the Lord's Prayer.

"I've even noticed during the Platinum Jubilee that the youth of today don't even know the words to God Save the Queen.

"I just hope the man who was involved is okay. It's so upsetting and disgusting to hear something like this happening."

The incident happened between 9.50pm and 10.05pm on Saturday June 4 along the Rodwell Trail.

During the incident, the victim had his baseball cap stolen as well as his black rucksack containing a bike lock.

Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

The offenders are described as white, aged between 14 and 18 years old, of medium build and wearing dark clothing.

Detective Sergeant Gareth Jones, of Weymouth CID, said: “This was an unprovoked nasty attack on a lone individual.

“We are determined to find those responsible and are conducting a number of enquiries.

"I'm urging anyone who witnessed the incident or may have any information about the offenders to contact us as soon as possible.”

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 55220088989. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.