THE MAYOR of Portland said she was 'horrified' to hear a man in his 60s was rushed to hospital after being assaulted on Portland.
Police are appealing to the public for any information on the assault which happened Saturday May 29 outside The Paper Shop in Fortuneswell around 10.30am during the bank holiday weekend.
Police said the passenger of a Skoda saloon car - parked outside the shop - left the car and slammed the victim, a local man in his 60s, into the shop window and threw him to the floor after an argument broke out.
In response, mayor of Portland Sandy West said the assault was 'horrific' but an isolated one within an area which is 'usually quiet'.
She said: "I was horrified to hear about this assault.
"No one should be assaulted in that way especially while out shopping.
"I don't know if the two men knew of each other but it seems like this assault came out of nowhere.
"Incidents like that around Fortuneswell are isolated and don't happen often. I just hope the man's injuries are not serious.
"This assault could have been fuelled by the frustrations we've all faced during lockdown. People have been stuck indoors for a long time and small arguments are likely to escalate."
READ MORE: Police appeal after man in his 60s assaulted outside The Paper Shop, Fortuneswell
A spokeswoman from The Paper Shop said: "I was working and I heard raised voices but didn't see the assault.
"There's no damage to our window or any part of the shop.
"It's usually a quiet area and these types of acts don't happen around Fortuneswell."
Officers are investigating the assault and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information or CCTV to come forward.
Police confirmed a male front seat passenger of the car got out and took hold of the victim - slamming him into the shop window and throwing him to the floor.
Following the incident, the offender and a female driver got back into the car and drove off leaving the victim on the floor, who had suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.
Mrs West said: "Whoever did this, I'm asking them to come forward and own up to their actions."
Detective Constable Sean Garrett, of Weymouth CID, said: “The incident left the victim with serious injuries in hospital.
"We're making a number of enquiries, including looking at CCTV and I am appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
"I would also like to hear from anyone who may have driven past the incident and captured something relevant on dashcam.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210084961.
Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article