A MAN'S arm was impaled on the spike of a gate during a fight with another man in Bournemouth.

Police have released CCTV images of the suspect following the incident, which happened in Denmark Road.

The victim, a 46-year-old local man, was walking into the road from Castle Road when another man walked past him and barged him with his shoulder.

The victim shouted at the suspect, which led to a scuffle between the pair.

It was during the scuffle that the victim felt the man push him onto the railings of some iron gates. The victim felt warmth on his right bicep and realised his arm was impaled on the spike of the gate.

The victim freed himself and sought help from a nearby doctor's surgery. He was taken to hospital for treatment to an artery injury, which has required him to undergo surgery.

The incident was reported to Dorset Police on Friday, March 23, although it happened at around 1.30pm on Friday, March 16.

Detective Constable Matt Cooke, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a serious assault, which has left the victim with a very nasty injury to his arm and limited feeling in his hand.

“Following detailed enquiries I am now in a position to issue CCTV images of the suspect and I would urge anyone who recognises him 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 55180043626. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.