POLICE have released a shocking photo of a man brutally beaten by a stranger in a bid to find the person responsible.

Luke Chamberlain, 33, was punched and kicked by an unknown attacker as he walked home at 1.30am on Saturday, August 24.

The incident happened at the junction of Glenair Avenue and Commercial Road, Poole.

Mr Chamberlain was treated in hospital for his injuries.

The offender is described as a white man aged in his 40s and of average build with blond hair and a square jawline. He was wearing a light blue short-sleeved shirt, denim trousers and dark-coloured shoes.

PC Nina Tait, of Poole police, said: “This was an unprovoked assault that resulted in Luke sustaining nasty injuries to his face and I am carrying out a number of enquiries in a bid to locate the offender.

“It is believed that the offender was dropped off by a taxi a short time before the assault took place, but we have so far been unable to locate the driver.

“I am appealing to the driver of the taxi to come forward as they may have vital information to assist my investigation.

“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police to get in touch immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190132642.