The Mayor of Bridport described two incidents of violence and vandalism in the town as "sobering" after the recent carnival celebrations.

Police are appealing for witnesses after an alercation in Downes Street, Bridport, left a man with serious injuries.

The fight between two men took place at about 3.20am on Sunday, August 27, resulting in a man, aged in his 30s, sustaining serious injuries to his head and shoulder. He was taken to hospital for treatment and his condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

The other man involved is believed to have left the scene in a motor vehicle, possibly an Audi.

Sergeant Geraint Butler, of Dorset County CID, said: "We are conducting enquiries into this incident, which has left a man with serious injuries, and I am keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

"I would also urge anyone who was driving in the area of Downes Street or Bridport town centre during the early hours of Sunday, August 27 to please check any dashcam footage to see if they have captured anything that might assist our investigation.

"I would also like to make a similar please for any residents in the area with home CCTV systems or doorbell cameras to please check if they have captured anything of relevance."

In his latest blog, the Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Dave Bolwell, referred to the assault and a separate incident, in which the Bothenhampton and Walditch Parish Council noticeboard, in Pasture Way, was set on fire.

He commented: "After a wonderful week of celebrations in Bridport it is rather sobering that we seem to have had a violent assault in the town, closely followed by a parish council notice board being deliberately set on fire.

"Although these two events are extreme for Bridport it is a reminder that no town is immune from anti-social behaviour and unfortunately it seems that, even in Bridport, where so much good happens daily, not everyone is prepared to live in harmony and respect other people and property.

"The two events are matters for the police but seem to have taken place in the early hours of the morning and, as far as the violence is concerned, I am horrified at this shocking news and I can't believe this has happened in Bridport.

"I do not have any details other than those already reported in the newspapers but I hope the police will soon be in a position to reassure the general public that the streets are still safe in Bridport despite this serious assault.

"My thoughts are with the person that was attacked and I hope he will soon recover from his injuries. I am sure the people of Bridport wishes him well and trust that the assailant will soon be caught and brought to justice.

"As for the damaged noticeboard in Pasture Way, Bridport Town Council have the matter of a replacement in hand and will be removing the damaged one shortly and installing a temporary noticeboard within a week. If this was arson, as I am now hearing, then it would be helpful if anyone who has information on those involved could let the police know."

Anyone with information on the assault is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230135471. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.