A man was hit round the head with a glass bottle during an attack by a group of males in balaclavas in Dorchester.

Between 9.30pm and 9.45pm on Saturday 20 August 2022, a 25-year-old local man was walking along Queens Avenue with three friends when he became aware of five people, who have been described as male and wearing black balaclavas, walking toward them.

It is reported that the five alleged offenders used threatening language and when the victim asked them to leave them alone, he was hit in the head by a glass bottle, which was then thrown at the victim and his friends. The bottle missed and smashed on the pavement.

The victim received hospital treatment for his injuries, which are described as a cut to his forehead and associated swelling.

Enquiries suggest the five suspects made off on foot on Queens Avenue toward Maud Road.

Following the reported assault, police officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward – with one arrest being made.

A 14-year-old boy from Ferndown was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police Constable Charlie Frost, of Dorset Police, said: “This was a concerning incident and enquiries are ongoing to identify those suspected of being involved.

“As part of these enquiries, I would like to appeal for anyone who witnessed the alleged assault, or who has any information about it, to please come forward.

“If you heard or saw anything during the time of the incident or were driving through the area with a dashcam, which may have captured relevant footage, please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220136308. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.