POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was attacked with a fishing rod.

The incident happened when the man, aged 24, was riding his bicycle across the Town Bridge towards Chapelhay.

Police constable Rob Adams, of Weymouth Police, said: "The victim was approached by two men. One hit him around the back of the head with some fishing rods and the other punched him in the face.

"This was an unprovoked attack which left the man with facial injuries."

One attacker was described as being of muscular build, with short brown hair and wearing a black hooded top and black tracksuit. He was riding a gold mountain bike.

The other had short ginger hair and was wearing a grey top and dark trousers.

He was carrying two or three fishing rods.

Both men were white and in their early 20s.

Anyone with information about the incident, which took place between 4.30pm and 4.45pm on Wednesday, May 2, is asked to call Dorset Police on 101.