Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as they investigate a reported assault and robbery in Dorchester – with one teenager arrested.

Dorset Police received a report that between 6.30pm and 7pm on Wednesday, 31 July the victim – a teenage boy – was reportedly assaulted and his blue backpack was taken by two other teenage boys outside the Co-Op store in Trinity Street. It is reported that a man attempted to intervene before the three boys left the area.

The victim and the two teenagers then went to Frome Terrace where the victim was allegedly assaulted and pushed into the river. It is further reported that a man who intervened near the river was also assaulted and sustained minor injuries.

The victim – who required hospital treatment for serious head and facial injuries – and the reported offenders are known to each other.

Following enquiries, a teenage boy from Weymouth was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault and robbery. He has been released on police bail as detectives continue their investigation.

Detective Constable Mia-Isabella Bowditch, of Dorset County CID, said: "This was a nasty incident and we are conducting a number of enquiries to ascertain the full circumstances of how it occurred.

"I am keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information that could assist our investigation, particularly the man who attempted to intervene outside the Co-Op.

"I would also urge any motorists who were travelling in the areas of Trinity Street and Frome Terrace on the evening of Wednesday 31 July 2024 to please check their dashcam footage to see if they have captured anything of relevance."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240116923.

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