A MAN was chased and beaten by a gang in Bridport.

The incident unfolded after the victim and a woman were walking in the Fulbrooks Lane area in the early hours of Monday, January 1.

Police said the man was threatened and assaulted by a group consisting of four men and two women.

It is reported the victim – a man in his 40s and from Weymouth – was then chased by the men along St Swithins Road, where he entered a block of flats and was attacked again.

Dorset Police officers and ambulance crew went to the scene and the man was taken to hospital for treatment to serious head and facial injuries.

It is believed that the incident happened some time between 2am and 4am.

Detective Constable Fiona Napier, of Weymouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area at this time and has information about what happened to please come forward.

“I am particularly keen to speak to the woman involved in the incident.

“Furthermore, I am keen to hear from anyone who may have relevant footage of the incident, either on home CCTV, dashcam or a mobile phone.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240000106. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online via Crimestoppers-uk.org, or by calling 0800 555 111.