POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an 18-year-old male cyclist was seriously assaulted in the Kinson Common area of Bournemouth at the weekend.

The incident happened on Sunday at around 3.30am as the man cycled along Kinson Road.

He was then assaulted in an area near the stream, which runs through Kinson Cemetery, on the junction of Brook Road.

The victim, from Bournemouth, sustained fractures to his neck and several vertebrae as well as a cut to his head.

He continues to receive treatment in hospital.

Detective Constable Nena Stewart of Bournemouth CID, said: “It is not clear exactly how the man came to sustain his dreadful injuries.

“He is likely to require treatment for quite some time and it is vital that anyone who can shed any light on this incident contacts Dorset Police urgently.

“I would like to speak with anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Kinson Common area on Sunday and anyone who recalls seeing a cyclist along Kinson Road during the early hours of the morning.”

No description of the offender is available.

Call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 25:197 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.