Man beaten in unprovoked attack

A man was beaten around the head and had his jaw broken in what police have said was an "unprovoked attack" in a Dorset town.

Detectives in Bournemouth have started an investigation into the assault in Hawkwood Road in the Boscombe area.

The victim, who was described by police as well built had just parked his car and was walking away while using his mobile phone when he was set upon.

The male attacker is believed to be about 5ft 10in and white.

Poor eyesight

Det Con David Collett, of Dorset Police, said: "The attack was totally unexpected and the first the victim knew was when he suffered a blow to the head that knocked his glasses off.

"Without his glasses the victim was unable to see very well at all, but was subjected to a flurry of six or seven blows to his head, neck and throat.

"This was a totally unprovoked and cowardly attack on a man who, without his glasses, had great difficulty seeing his assailant."

The offender made off along Hawkwood Road.

Anyone with any information about the attack early on New Year's Day has been urged to contact Dorset Police.