A MAN was seriously injured after being assaulted outside a Poole pub.

The incident unfolded in the seating area outside the Poole Arms, at The Quay, between 5pm and 5.30pm on Sunday, September 3.

Dorset Police said the victim – a man in his 60s, from Poole – had a verbal altercation with a male dog owner.

It is reported that the man subsequently approached the victim and pushed him in the chest, causing him to fall to the ground.

His injuries were initially not thought to be serious, a spokesperson said, but it was later confirmed the victim had sustained a fractured vertebrae.

The suspect is described as white, aged between 55 and 60 years old, five feet 10 inches tall and of slim build with short greying hair. He was with a Jack Russell dog that was white with black and brown patches.

PC Daniel Goodman, of Poole police, said: “I am conducting enquiries into this incident and would urge anyone who may have seen what happened to please get in touch.

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may recognise the suspect from the description given.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230139683, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.