A POOLE man suffered a severed ear in a daylight assault in Branksome on Monday.

The victim, 28 years old, was walking in Princess Road at around 8am when he was set upon by three men, all thought to have been aged around 19.

The offenders knocked the victim out by hitting him, and when he came round, he realised he had a severed ear, black eye and a cut and bruised lip.

He was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment.

Detective Constable James Lees, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: "I would like to hear from anybody who was present on Princess Road around the time of the incident who may have seen something that will help with our enquiries.

"I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the assault or three young men fitting the description of the suspects in the Branksome area."

Police said one of the offenders was wearing a hooded top and another was wearing a grey woolly hat.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 23:50. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.