Officers investigating an assault on a man who was walking his dog at a park in Poole are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Between 11.20am and 11.30am on Tuesday 26 December 2023 the victim was walking his dog at Whitecliff Park when it started interacting with a black and tan terrier-type dog that was also off the lead.

The victim tried to recall his dog, and the terrier’s male owner then picked up the victim’s dog and dragged it toward him while shouting and swearing.

As the victim was leaning over to check his dog, the man punched him in the face, making contact with his left eye.

Then a woman who was with him began shouting and screaming at the victim as he got back up before she also left the scene.

The man involved is described as white, aged in his 30s and of medium build with brown hair and he was wearing a black jacket, jeans and trainers. The woman with him is described as white, aged in her 30s and of medium build with black hair in a ponytail. She was wearing a cream-coloured jumper, black leggings and black trainers.

Police Community Support Investigator Brett Hirst, of Dorset Police, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim and we are carrying out enquiries to identify the man and woman involved.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that might assist our enquiries, to please contact us.

“I have also obtained images of the man and woman we would like to identify. I appreciate these were taken from some distance away but someone may be able to recognise them from their clothing and the dog they are with.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at http:///www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230201476. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.