A DISPUTE among dog walkers ended with one man being punched in the face.

Dorset Police are appealing for information after the incident, some time between 11.20am and 11.30am on Boxing Day (December 26) at Whitecliff Park, in Poole.

The confrontation unfolded as the victim was walking his dog when it started interacting with a black and tan terrier-type dog that was also off the lead, police said.

The victim tried to recall his dog, and the terrier’s male owner then picked up the victim’s dog and dragged it toward him while shouting and swearing.

As the victim was leaning over to check his dog, the man punched him to the face, making contact with his left eye.

Then a woman who was with him began shouting and screaming at the victim as he got back up before she also left the scene.

The man involved is described as white, in his 30s and of medium build, with brown hair. He was wearing a black jacket, jeans and trainers.

The woman with him is described as white, in her 30s and of medium build, with black hair in a ponytail.

She was wearing a cream-coloured jumper, black leggings and black trainers.

Police Community Support Investigator Brett Hirst, of Poole police, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim and we are carrying out enquiries to identify the man and woman involved.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that might assist our enquiries, to please contact us.

“I have also obtained images of the man and woman we would like to identify.

“I appreciate these were taken from some distance away but someone may be able to recognise them from their clothing and the dog they are with.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230201476. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org, or by calling 0800 555 111.