A CYCLIST grabbed another by the throat and pushed him into a hedge after they collided in West Moors.

Now police are trying to trace the offender, who was riding a distinctive gold-coloured Brompton-style bike.

The collision took place in Station Road at 9.45am on Friday May 29 and the offender fled in the direction of Ferndown after the assault.

The victim, a 31-year-old man from Three Legged Cross, is not believed to have been seriously hurt in the incident.

Members of the public are being urged to contact police with information about the offender, described as white, around 5ft 6ins tall and in his late 40s. He has black hair and was wearing glasses.

PC Tom Clements, of Verwood police, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed either the collision or the assault immediately after to please call me on 101. All calls will be treated in strict confidence.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident number 29:126, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.