A 76-year-old man suffered horrific injuries in a road rage incident in Poole.

The victim needed surgery and 26 stitches and has a suspected broken hand and nose following the terrifying incident in the Asda car park in West Quay Road.

The assault took place after a fireworks event at Poole Quay on November 5 and now police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Officers said the man, from Broadstone, was attacked between 9.15pm and 9.35pm when there were a lot of people in the area.

They said an altercation broke out between the occupants of two vehicles near to the exit ramp of the car park.

During the incident the victim, the front seat passenger of a black Audi, left the vehicle and was struck by the driver of a blue Nissan causing him to fall to the ground.

The victim suffered a cut to his right ear, which required an operation and 26 stitches, and a suspected broken hand and nose.

Detective Constable Christian Bryant, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This road rage incident happened after the fireworks event on Poole Quay and the car park had become gridlocked with people leaving to go home. As it occurred in a busy area a number of people may have witnessed what happened.

“I am appealing for anyone who saw the incident, or has any information about the events leading up to it, to contact Dorset Police.”

The offender is described as white and aged in his 20s. No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and those with information are urged to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 5:453 or call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. Mobile phone tariffs may apply.