A man has been arrested after a woman suffered head injuries whilst being assaulted in a car in North Dorset.

A woman, aged in her 50s, had been travelling as a passenger in a car on the B3081 north of Gillingham before she was assaulted after it came to a stop in School Lane.

It is reported that she fled the vehicle shortly after the attack and walked a short distance before she was given a lift home by a stranger in their car.

The victim was left with head and hand injuries, according to police, but did not require hospital treatment.

A 51-year-old man from Gillingham was been arrested on suspicion of assault.

He has since been released on police bail while an investigation continues.

Dorset Police only released information today regarding the incident, which took place at around 12.05am on Sunday, October 6.

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

Police constable Katie-May Parsons, of Dorset Police, said: “I am continuing to investigate this incident and would ask anyone who saw any suspicious activity involving a man and woman in the area to please come forward.

“I would also like to hear from the person who reportedly gave the victim a lift home in their car to see if they can provide any information that may aid my investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240154489.

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