A MAN in his 60s punched a woman and a dog and grabbed another woman by the arm as they walked their dogs in north Dorset.

Police have appealed for witnesses following the incident in a field between Child Okeford and Shillingstone on Friday February 12.

The incident happened after one of the men's dogs was knocked over by one of the women's dogs.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "At around 9.15am two women were out walking their dogs in the field when they approached a gate and opened it to leave.

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One of the women called for their dog and it is reported that two Springer Spaniels, one brown and one black and white, came through the gate. One of the Spaniels was knocked over by one of the women’s dogs.

The owner of the Spaniels began to shout at the women, before he punched one of them on the arm and grabbed the second woman. It is also reported that he punched one of the victim’s dogs.

The women put their dogs back on their leads and left the field.

The man is described as white, aged in his mid to late 60s, around five feet eight inches tall and of medium build. He was wearing dark trousers, wellington boots, a short navy coat and a blue woolly hat.

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Police Community Support Investigator Kayleigh Holder, of North Dorset police, said: "I am appealing to anyone who was walking their dog on Friday morning in the area and may have witnessed what happened to please get in touch.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who recognises the male dog owner from the description given. We are keen to speak to him to get his account of what happened."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55210025255, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.