A SUPERMARKET manager was left with serious facial injuries after being punched to the ground by a youth.

The incident happened in Asda at Castlepoint on Wednesday evening after a youth came into the store and attempted to buy alcohol.

Staff refused to serve him and he left, only to return with a gang of friends just before midnight.

It is understood that when the group were asked to leave the store night manager James Madigan was punched in the face by one of the gang. The punch was so hard that he fell to the floor.

A Castlepoint security guard dialled 999 and married dad Mr Madigan was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for treatment to fractures to his face. He has since had to attend Poole Hospital for specialist treatment.

According to the police a witness saw the group of youths run off down Bradpole Road.

Police searched the area but failed to find them.

Peter Matthews, manager of Castlepoint, said: "You do not expect this in Bournemouth. Incidents of shop managers being attacked are very unusual.

"It is rare to have problems of this nature on this site. But there is a group of local teenage boys who have persistently caused problems in the area."

The Castlepoint Asda store's manager, Jason Hughes, confirmed that Mr Madigan had been attacked and said that the store was working with the police to catch the perpetrator.

A police spokesman said the police were treating the incident as an assault causing grievous bodily harm.

He said they are appealing for witnesses and anyone with any information about the assault or the events leading up to it is asked to contact them on 01202 222 222.

He added that the police are also viewing CCTV footage from Castlepoint and from the store.