A WOMAN could suffer permanent damage to her eyesight after she was punched in a homophobic assault.

The victim, aged in her 20s, was involved in an altercation with a man in York Road, Bournemouth, between 5am and 6am on Wednesday, September 25.

She was punched in the face and to the back off the head. She attended hospital for treatment and suffered significant swelling and bruising to her eye socket.

Police are now issuing a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the incident.

PC Rebecca Walker-Date, of Bournemouth police, said: “This incident was understandably very upsetting for the victim and as a result of the assault, she may have sustained permanent damage to her eyesight.

“It is believed that she may have been targeted because of her sexual orientation and enquiries are underway to locate the offender.

“I am issuing a CCTV image of a man I would like to speak to as he may have been in the area at the time of the assault and have information to assist my investigation.

“I would urge anyone who recognises him to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55190151000.