A WOMAN in her 70s was grabbed by the throat and pushed backwards after challenging a man for cycling on the pavement.

The victim was attacked as she walked her dog in Church Road in Ferndown, near the village hall, at 1.40pm on Tuesday September 4.

Members of the public came to her aid and one woman followed the offender as he left the scene and went to KFC in Ringwood Road. She was able to take pictures of him.

Police earlier released images in a bid to identify the offender, who spoke with a Scottish accent and appeared to have his right arm in a sling and plaster cast.

Police Constable Austin Kinnane, of East Dorset police, said: "This was a nasty assault on an elderly woman who was simply taking her dog for a walk.

"While it is fortunate she only sustained minor bruising in terms of physical injuries, the psychological impact is understandably far more significant."

Following the release of the image police arrested a man.

A spokesperson said: "A 34-year-old man from Ferndown has been arrested on suspicion of assault and is assisting officers with their enquiries."