A man grabbed a woman who was wearing a burka by her clothing and verbally abused her in the town centre.

Police are investigating reports of an assault in Weymouth after receiving a third party report of the incident, which happened at around 9am on Tuesday outside New Look at the junction of New Bond Street and St Thomas Street.

It was reported that a man grabbed a woman who was wearing a burka by her clothing and was verbally abusive toward her.

A member of the public intervened and the man and female victim both left the scene in different directions.

The man is described as being aged between 25 and 40 and of average height and was wearing a burgundy hooded top with the hood up and dark green jogging bottoms.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and the victim to come forward.

Inspector Matt Chutter, of Dorset Police, said: “We are continuing to make enquiries into this incident but we have not yet received a report from the woman who was reportedly assaulted.

“I would urge this woman to come forward and we would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting crime number 55200013899.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.