Man assaulted while taking photos at Stour Meadows

Police have released an image of a woman they'd like to speak to.

Author: Maria GreenwoodPublished 18th Nov 2020

A man's been assaulted while taking photos at Stour Meadows in Blandford.

He was attacked by a man with a dog, shortly after being involved in a verbal exchange with a woman with a dog.

The victim, a man aged in his 50s, was taking photographs at Stour Meadows on the morning of Monday (16 November). At around 9.10am he became involved in a verbal exchange with a woman who was walking a German Shepherd dog, who appeared to be attempting to sabotage his photos by getting in the way or disturbing the wildlife with her dog.

Police have issued this image of the woman they would like to speak to.

Attack

The woman then walked off and at around 9.45am a man approached the victim accompanied by the same German Shepherd dog. He was swearing at the victim and punched him to the chest and then to the throat.

The man made threats of further violence before walking off.

Description

He is described as white, aged around 30, about five feet eight inches tall and with ginger hair and a stubble beard. The man was wearing a brown jacket.

The victim did not sustain any serious injuries as a result of the assault.

Police Constable Kate Schofield, of Blandford police, said:

"This incident left the victim understandably distressed and we are keen to identify those involved.

"We have obtained an image that is believed to be of the woman involved in the initial verbal exchange and I would ask anyone with information as to her identity to please contact us.

"I would also ask any witnesses or anyone who recognises the description given for the man responsible for this assault to get in touch."

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 55200172499.