A MAN sustained a broken jaw after chasing an individual who had stolen his fancy dress hat over Halloween.

At approximately 1am on Sunday, October 30, the victim – who was wearing fancy dress – was approached by an unknown man who stole his hat outside Sound Circus in Holdenhurst Road.

The offender ran off and the victim followed him to outside Asda in St Pauls Road, where he tried to get his hat back.

The victim, who is aged in his 20s, was subsequently punched in the face a number of times, causing him to be knocked unconscious.

The victim visited his dentist a few days after the incident and it was found he had sustained a broken jaw, which required surgery.

Bournemouth Echo: Area outside Asda in St Pauls RoadArea outside Asda in St Pauls Road (Image: Google)

Police say the offender is described as white, approximately aged between 18 and 20 years old, six feet tall with brown hair and was wearing a grey Nike T-shirt. He is possibly called Junior and was with a woman at the time of the incident.

Officers investigating the assault in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Jade McAllister, of Bournemouth police, said: “This incident has resulted in the victim sustaining nasty injuries.

“Following a review of CCTV, I know that there were a number of people in the area at the time who may have witnessed what happened and I would ask them to please come forward.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who may have information about the identity of the offender.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220176462.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.