A MAN hurled homophobic abuse and splashed water at a woman swimming in the sea at Mudeford.

At around 4pm on Sunday, July 18, a woman aged in her 40s, was swimming in the sea when she challenged a group of people who were reported to be riding jet skis dangerously close to swimmers.

A man from the group responded by being verbally abusive toward the woman, including making homophobic comments, and splashed water at her.

Police Constable Erica Weldon, of Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police takes hate crime very seriously and we have been carrying out a number of enquiries into this incident.

“I am now in a position to release an image of a man we would like to speak to.

“I would urge anyone who recognises him to please come forward. I am also keen to hear from any witnesses to the incident who have not already spoken to police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email to 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210114827.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.