A MAN suffered a fractured jaw and needed emergency surgery when a driver punched him in the face after flagging him down in Bournemouth.

The violent attack took place in road daylight and now police have appealed for witnesses.

At around 2.15pm on Friday March 19 the victim, a local man aged in his 20s, was driving along Holdenhurst Road when he noticed flashing headlights coming from the car behind him.

The victim stopped his car just past the junction with Lytton Road and saw the car turn into Lytton Road and go out of view. He left his car and walked into Lytton Road to see if he could find the driver.

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He was approached by the suspect who shouted at the victim and punched him several times in the face. The suspect walked back to his car, which is described as a white Volkswagen or Polo.

The suspect is described as white, around six feet two inches tall, of stocky build and was wearing blue jeans and a black jumper or jacket.

The victim went to hospital where is was discovered that he had suffered a fractured jaw in three places. He underwent emergency surgery and is now recovering.

Detective Constable Phil Riggs, of Bournemouth CID, said: "I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident to please contact Dorset Police.

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"I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along Holdenhurst Road or Lytton Road and may have captured the incident on dashcam."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55210044204, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.