A TEENAGER was treated by paramedics after he was smashed over the head with a metal pole.

Dorset Police are now appealing for witnesses to the alleged assault, which took place on Marine Parade in Lyme Regis shortly after 10pm on Saturday evening.

The incident took place at around 10pm on Hallowe’en at some part of the Marine Parade on the town’s seafront, when a group of boys were walking down the parade, when they came across a 22-year-old man.

An altercation then allegedly ensued, before a 16-year-old boy was allegedly stuck over the head with a metal pole.

The 22-year-old man, from Lyme Regis, was arrested following the incident and has now been released on bail.

A spokesman from Dorset Police said: “A 16-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by a male with a metal pole on Marine Parade after an altercation. 

“The suspect, a 22-year-old man from Lyme Regis was arrested and is currently on bail as enquiries continue.

“Police seek anyone who was on Marine Parade on Hallowe’en night who witnessed the incident to contact Bridport Police.”

Bridport Inspector Mike Darby urged anyone who may have witnessed the alleged assault or has any information regarding it to contact police.

Insp Darby said: “On the face of it, it sounds like a serious incident and we are treating it very seriously, and would like to speak to anybody who was there at the time of it to contact us.

“It was a busy night on the Marine Parade because it was Hallowe’en and there would have been lots of people about at that time of night enjoying the festivities, and we would like to speak to anybody who was there during it.

“The boy was treated by paramedics and given an ice-pack for his head, but no hospital treatment was required. 

A spokesman for the South Western Ambulance Service confirmed that paramedics attended the incident and treated the boy at the scene, but did not take the boy to hospital.

To contact Dorset Police regarding the incident, contact 101 quoting crime number 31:467