A WOMAN reportedly assaulted a man by pushing him in the back and striking him with an umbrella at a demonstration in Dorchester.

The man was hit twice on the torso with an umbrella, police say. 

At the same event a man was said to have approached a woman who was carrying a flag, taken it off her and snapped the cane which was being used to fly the flag.

The incidents of alleged assault and criminal damage took place at a pre-planned demonstration in the Cornhill area of the county town at around 1.30pm on Saturday, November 18, police say.

On that date protesters gathered in Dorchester to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Dorset Police has issued images of two people they would like to speak to as they investigate the alleged assault and criminal damage incidents.

Officers present at the event, which saw hundreds of protesters gathering at the Town Pump in Dorchester, were approached by supporters of the demonstration, who reported the incidents.

Police Constable Glen Caddy, of Dorchester police, said: “Dorset Police respects people’s right to lawful protest and peaceful demonstration and we have a duty to fully investigate any reports of offences against those taking part.

“As part of enquiries into this incident, we are issuing images of two people we would like to speak to as part of our enquiries.

"I would urge these people to come forward so we can take their account and would also like to hear from anyone with information regarding their identities.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230182525.

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