A man tried to punch a taxi driver before attacking his vehicle, it is alleged.

At around 1am on Sunday, July 30, it is reported a taxi driver witnessed a man being verbally abusive towards women on the Shell garage forecourt on London Road, Dorchester.

On his drive out of the forecourt, the taxi driver suggested to the man that he should leave the area.

At this point, the offender threw a water bottle at the taxi, started trying to punch the driver through the open car window and kicked the car door.

Police are investigating the incident as criminal damage and would like any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Police Constable Chloe Wellington, of Dorchester police, said: “During the incident, the driver’s door of the taxi was damaged.

“I have been making enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident, including looking at CCTV footage.

“In order to progress my investigation, I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230119231.

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