A CYCLIST was punched twice in the head when he rode past a large group of young people in Gillingham.

The 19-year-old local man was riding near to the cemetery in Cemetery Road at around 8.30pm on Friday, September 5, when he passed the group of around 20 young men and women – all unknown to him – at the side of the road.

One of the men then ran alongside the victim and knocked him off his bicycle. The incident was only reported three days later.

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Constable Alistair James said: “In particular, I would like to appeal to a man who came to the assistance of the victim after the assault.”

The offender is described as white, in his early twenties, around six feet tall, of slim build with brown hair, and wearing a white shirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

Contact police with information on 101 quoting incident number 8:112, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.