A MAN punched the driver of a broken-down vehicle before smashing his car windows with a hammer during an altercation near Hurn.

This drama unfolded between 11.35am and 12.20pm on Tuesday, June 13 after the victim, a man in his 40s, was in a layby off Hurn Road, near to the Blackwater Junction, in a black Honda CR-V that had broken down.

He became involved in a verbal exchange with another man, in a dark-coloured Range Rover, that was parked nearby and the other man then punched him to the face, knocking the victim to the ground.

The offender drove off in the Range Rover before returning around 20 minutes later, police said.

The offender smashed the windows after an initial confrontation. Pictures: Dorset Police

He was wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying a hammer and proceeded to smash the rear and side windows of the victim’s vehicle.

A number of threats were also made to the victim and his family, as well as to a witness who tried to intervene.

PC Chloe Candy, of Dorset Police, said: “This was a frightening incident for the victim and his family, and we are carrying out enquiries to identify the man responsible.

“I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please come forward.

The offender smashed the windows after an initial confrontation. Pictures: Dorset Police

“I would also urge any motorists with dashcam who were driving in the vicinity around the relevant timeframe to please check their footage for anything that might assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230091075. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.