A man was hospitalised following reports of an assault during a late-night walk along Weymouth Beach.

Dorset Police received a report at around 11pm on Wednesday, April 5 that a man had been assaulted whilst walking along The Esplanade near the Beach Control Office.

A man allegedly shouted at the victim before punching him in the face.

The victim, aged in his 40s, sustained injuries to his face and was taken to hospital for treatment

The alleged offender is described as white, approximately 20-years-old, tall and of slim build wearing a dark blue hooded top and black trousers. He was with a woman who is described as white, also aged around 20-years-old and petite with dark hair.

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

Police Constable Scott Williams, of Weymouth police, said: “I am carrying out enquiries to identify the man responsible and would ask anyone who witnessed what happened to please get in touch.

“If you were driving along The Esplanade around the time of the incident and have a dashcam fitted, please can I ask you to check your footage for anything that may assist my investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230052688. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.