A MAN in his 50s was 'lashed with a chain' during a shocking unprovoked attack in Winton.

The victim is believed to have suffered permanent damage to his left eye in the assault, which happened in St Luke's Road just before midnight on Thursday, June 27.

Police investigating the incident say the victim was walking along the road when he was approached from behind by two men who were riding bicycles. The men verbally abused the victim before getting off their bikes, reaching into a backpack and pulling out a weapon, which is believed to be a chain or something similar.

They then used the weapon to lash the victim's face. He was struck around the top of the head, as well as on his eyes and mouth.

After the attack, the men cycled off.

The victim was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment. He sustained serious damage to his retina and officers say it's possible that he may have sustained permanent damage to the vision in his left eye.

He also suffered cuts to his head and injuries to his left wrist, hand and thigh.

The first suspect is white, aged in his 20s, around six feet tall and of skinny build. He wore a dark-coloured hooded top with the hood up and black tracksuit bottoms.

The second suspect is white, also aged in his 20s and of skinny build. He is around around six feet tall and wore a khaki green hooded top and black trousers, as well as a dark-coloured rucksack.

PC Jon Park, of North Bournemouth police, said: “This was a violent and unprovoked assault on a man as he walked home.

“We are continuing to investigate this incident and our extensive enquiries include looking for CCTV images of the suspects."

Anyone with information, or those who witnessed the attack, should contact police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 55190097908.