Police release image following hate crime in Bridport

The man punched one of the victims before making a number of homophobic comments

Author: Jo SymesPublished 8th Sep 2021
Last updated 8th Sep 2021

Officers investigating a reported hate crime incident in Bridport are issuing an image of a man they would like to speak to.

At around 8pm on Saturday 28 August 2021 the victims, two local men, were walking their two dogs behind the St Andrews Trading Estate, in an area where there are two small enclosed compounds in which they could let their dogs off their leads.

A man approached and asked if he could use the same compound that they were in to let his dog off the lead. The couple explained that one of their dogs was a rescue dog that needed further training and asked if the man could use the other enclosure instead.

The man became abusive and punched out at one of the men, before making a number of homophobic comments.

Police Constable Dan White, of West Dorset police, said:

“We take all reports of hate crime extremely seriously and are carrying out a full investigation into this incident.

“We have obtained an image of a man we would like to speak to as part of our enquiries and I would urge anyone with information as to his identity to please contact us.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area and witnessed this altercation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210139280.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.