POLICE have released CCTV images of three people they would like to speak to following an assault in Swanage.

The incident happened at around 2.30am on Friday, August 4, near the Methodist Church on High Street.

Three local men aged 19, 34 and 51 were assaulted by another group of men following an altercation.

The 51-year-old man was taken to hospital after sustaining cuts to his head, which required stitches.

The other two victims suffered minor injuries.

The offenders are all described as white and aged in their early 20s.

One of them was around five feet ten inches tall, of medium build with short light brown hair and was wearing a beige jacket.

The second man was around five feet nine inches tall, of slight build with short blond hair and was wearing a white T-shirt.

The third man was described as five feet eleven inches tall, of medium build with dark hair and was wearing a dark top.

Police Constable Paul Diffey, of Purbeck police, said: "I appreciate the image quality is not the best, but anyone who knows who they are should still be able to recognise them.

“I am also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident who has not already spoken to officers, or who has any other information that could assist us with identifying the offenders, to please contact Dorset Police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55170119571. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.