DETECTIVES are searching for a man who violently assaulted a Bournemouth student at an end of term fancy dress ball near Christchurch last month.

The victim was celebrating at the annual Bournemouth University Summer Ball, at Bournemouth Sports Club, in Parley, when the attack took place at around 8.30pm.

The 23-year-old, who was in costume at the time of the assault, was punched and then struck repeatedly while he was on the ground.

He was initially treated at a first aid tent, before he was taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where it was discovered he had suffered a broken eye socket in the attack.

Now detectives are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward to help with their investigation. Detective Constable James Lees, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I understand that the vast majority of students attend the ball while wearing fancy dress.

“The victim was wearing a distinctive hot pink suit and the offender may have been wearing a striped top.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed this assault, and anyone with any information about the man responsible, to contact me as soon as possible.

“Thousands of students attend the annual summer ball and I believe that a number of people may have witnessed this vicious attack.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should telephone Dorset Police on 01202 222222 and quote incident number 12:233. Alternatively call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.