A DISABLED man was assaulted by three men at a convenience store in Bournemouth.

The 21-year-old local was attacked in the Inside London Market store in Old Christchruch Road at around 1.25am on Thursday.

After entering the shop, he was approached by three men who hurled abuse at him about his disability and then assaulted him.

The victim ran out of the store and up Old Christchurch Road where he attempted to get into a taxi. But the men had followed him and one of them grabbed the victim by the throat.

He again tried to get away. He ran past Vodka Revolution and back into the store. He was followed by the offenders and further assaulted before a member of security from a nearby club went to his assistance.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a small lump on his head and concussion.

The offenders are described as white and aged in their late teens or early 20s.

Police Constable Josh Benoke, of Bournemouth police, said: “This was an unprovoked, sustained and violent assault on a vulnerable man. This incident has understandably caused great upset to him and his family."

Police are assessing CCTV footage in their bid to identify the men involved. Anyone who was in the area at the time of the assault, and may have witnessed all or part of it, is urged to contact 101 with the occurrence number 55190024475.