POLICE have released this image of a woman they would like to speak to following an unprovoked assault on a man who was struck round the head with a riding crop.

The incident occured when the 63-year-old man from Somerset was watching the Portman Hunt in the area of Crate Hill in Fifehead St. Quintin on Wednesday, December 19 last year.

Police Constable Patrick McLoughlin, of North Dorset police, said: “Following extensive enquiries we are now able to release a photo of a woman we would like to track down and speak with in relation to this incident.

“This was an unprovoked assault on a man at a prestigious Dorset event, and we are very keen to find the person responsible.

“Luckily the victim did not require any hospital treatment, but was obviously left shaken by the ordeal.

“The rider’s horse is quite distinctive in that it has a white mark just above its eyes and also on its nose.

“Witnesses and anyone with information should contact police as soon as possible in the strictest confidence.”

No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 19:275. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.