POLICE are looking for witnesses after a workman from Swanage was knocked into a ditch during a car crash.

A spokesman said this morning that the incident happened at around 10.20pm last Thursday, September 12, in East Street, Corfe Castle.

Employees working for a water company were carrying out emergency repairs by the roadside when an unknown vehicle is believed to have lost control and struck a protective barrier.

The barrier then hit a 35-year-old Swanage man who was digging at the scene, knocking him into a 3ft ditch.

The vehicle failed to stop and drove off.

Sergeant Jon McCarthy, of Wareham Police, said: “I am appealing for anyone with information about this incident to contact Dorset Police urgently.

“We believe the offending vehicle was a dark-coloured people carrier, possibly a red Citroen, and it may have damage to the front passenger side wing.

“I am confident the driver will be aware a collision occurred at the scene before they drove off and I would urge them to do the right thing and speak with the police.

“Fortunately the victim only suffered minor bruising in the incident and wasn’t seriously hurt.”

No arrests have been made. Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 12:535. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111, where mobile phone tariffs may apply.