A MAN in his 80s was shoved to the ground and his dog thrown over a bridge during an attack in a Poole park last month.

Police have released information about the incident, which happened on the afternoon of December 19, in a bid to find the man responsible for the assault.

Detectives said the victim was walking his border collie off the lead in Hamworthy Park at around 2.45pm when he 'heard a noise' between his dog and another dog. The second dog was also off the lead.

As he separated the two animals, he was approached by a man who said the victim's dog was attacking his.

The man then pushed the victim to the ground. The victim suffered grazes to his face and elbows.

The offender then picked up the collie and threw it over a bridge. Police say the dog is not believed to have been injured.

Detectives are searching for a man in his 20s to 30s, who is of medium build, with dark, mid-length hair and a beard. He was wearing jeans and dark clothing and was walking a brown and white Spaniel with a part of his tail missing.

PC Phil Pearson, of Poole police, said: “We have only recently been able to speak to the victim due to illness and while this incident happened a number of weeks ago I hope that someone may recognise the offender from the description given of him or his dog."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 55180203243.