POLICE are appealing for witnesses after they say a man was punched in the face in Christchurch late at night.

Police say just before 1am on September 29, a man made a comment to the victim in Saxon Square.

The man then reportedly punched the victim, who is in his 30s, in the face causing swelling to his eye and bruising on his head.

Two members of the public intervened and the offender left the scene.

Police sergeant Simon Rogers, of Dorset Police, said: “As part of our enquiries, we have obtained an image of a man we would like to identify and would ask anyone who recognises him to please get in touch.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened, including the members of the public who intervened, as they may have important information to assist my enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240149977.

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

Picture: Dorset Police