A MAN wearing a balaclava tried to stab a young man near a Dorset nature pond.

An investigation has been launched over the assault in Sturminster Newton.

It was reported the victim, an 18-year-old man from North Dorset, was approached by a man who attempted to stab him with a Stanley-type blade.

The incident took place between 6.15pm and 7pm on Wednesday, April 20, while the victim was walking on a footpath past the nature pond in Butts Pond Meadows.

The victim sustained an injury to his hand and attended hospital for treatment. The offender reportedly ran off in the direction of Honeymead Lane after the assault.

The suspect is described as white, five feet four inches tall and of stocky build. He was wearing a black balaclava, a black hooded top with the hood up, black tracksuit bottoms with a white cord around the waist and grey trainers with white laces.

PC James McClements, of North Dorset police, said: “I am carrying out enquiries into this incident and would urge anyone who witnessed what happened to please get in touch.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have been walking in the area and saw a man matching the description given.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220062296.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

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