A 17-year-old boy from Dorchester has been arrested by police officers investigating a report of a serious assault in Bridport.

It was reported that during the early hours of Monday, 1 January 2024 a man and woman were walking in the area of North Allington Road when they were approached by a group of people.

The man was reportedly threatened and assaulted by the group.

It was further reported that the victim – aged in his 40s and from Weymouth – was subsequently chased along Fulbrooks Lane and assaulted again after entering a block of flats on Fulbrooks Close.

The man was taken to hospital for treatment to serious head and facial injuries.

Following enquiries by detectives from Dorset County CID, a 17-year-old boy from Dorchester was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted robbery. He has been released on police bail as the investigation continues.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward.

Detective Constable Fiona Napier, of Dorset County CID, said: "We are keen to speak to anyone with relevant home CCTV or doorbell camera footage in the areas of St Swithins Road, Fullbrooks Close and North Allington Road between 2am and 4am on Monday 1 January 2024.

"We would also like to speak to the driver of a red car that was seen in the area, as we believe they may have witnessed the assault on North Allington Road."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240000106.

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