POLICE officers in Lyme Regis are appealing for witnesses following a violent assault in the town.

The alleged assault happened at 1.13pm on Thursday, August 22, on Silver Street following an altercation between a local man and an unknown assailant.

A 58-year-old man from Lyme Regis was pushed and kicked in the groin but did not sustain any further injuries.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to about the incident.

Officers stress that such attacks happen very rarely in the town and are urging the attacker to come forward and for anyone who can identify him to contact them.

PC Neil Gauden, said: “I am able to release an image of a man I would like to speak with in relation to this assault as he may be able to assist with my enquiries.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, and anyone with any information about the man responsible, to contact police as soon as possible.

“I would urge the man pictured – and anyone who recognises him – to contact me, in confidence.”

Local section inspector Mike Darby said: “Clearly this is a nasty and unprovoked attack on the gentleman.

“We would very much like to speak the pictured person as we believe he is responsible for the assault. We are also appealing for anybody who may know the person, to contact us, in complete confidence.

“Assaults like these are rare in our community and this appears to be a one-off incident.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 22:249.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.