A 70-YEAR-OLD man underwent surgery for a life-threatening bleed on the brain nearly two months after being punched to the ground in a Co-op car park.

The pensioner was attacked by the driver of a pick-up truck in the Wimborne Road, Bournemouth car park after a misunderstanding over parking on Wednesday February 26.

He was admitted to hospital on April 17 when his doctor said the injury, which required surgery, would have been caused by a trauma to the head.

Dorset Police said the man drove around a stationary pick-up truck because he thought the driver was waiting to park.

"As he passed, the driver of the truck got out and was verbally abusive. The victim also got out of his car, at which point the offender hit the victim in the face with his fist, causing him to fall and hit the back of his head on the ground.

"The victim then drove home but did not report the assault to police at the time as he only initially suffered a headache and pain to his arm as a result of the incident."

The victim’s wife contacted Dorset Police on Monday April 20 to report the assault, which is believed to be the most likely cause of the victim’s injury and subsequent surgery. The victim’s surgery was successful and he is now home and recovering well.

The offender is described as around five feet eight inches tall, aged in his 20s to 30s and with ginger hair. He is described as wearing a vest and camouflage trousers and was driving a silver pick-up truck with a cover over the back.

Detective Constable Jordan Curtis, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am aware that this assault happened some time ago and we are continuing to make enquiries and assess CCTV footage.

“The unprovoked assault is believed to have led to a very serious medical incident for the victim and I would urge anyone who may have witnessed it to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200055796 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.