A MAN was said to have been punched in the face following a verbal altercation with another man in Bridport.

Police say that at around 8pm on Wednesday, March 16 the victim – a local man aged in his 50s – was walking his dog in the Bridport Community Orchard to the rear of St Mary’s Church in South Street when he had a verbal altercation with another man.

It is reported that the man then punched the victim in the face, causing a bump to his head.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Dan White, of West Dorset police, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed what happened to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220042489. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.