A MAN threw and broke an 11-year-old boy's bike in a Weymouth park after the boy accidentally clipped a young girl as he rode past her, police said.

Officers investigating the incident have issued an image of a man they would like to speak to.

The incident occurred at around 4.30pm on Sunday April 18 at the Wyke Regis Pump Track off Fairview Road.

An 11-year-old boy was riding his bike with a friend at the park when he accidentally clipped a young girl as he rode past her, police said. The girl started to cry and a man then came over to the boy, shouting and swearing at him.

The man picked up the boy’s mountain bike and threw it around 10 feet. On landing, the bike’s handle bar stem snapped and both wheels buckled.

The boy made efforts to apologise and when a member of the public challenged the man over his behaviour he reportedly started shouting and swearing at them.

Police Constable Al Brown, of Dorset Police, said: “This was a distressing incident for the young boy involved, who had saved up his pocket money to buy his bike.

“We are carrying out enquiries and I am issuing an image of a man we would like to speak to as part of our investigation.

“I would urge anyone with information as to his identity to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210060577. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.