A farmer has been assaulted by a dog walker in a field of sheep in south Dorset.

The farmer saw a dog chasing his sheep in the field in Wool at around 5.30pm on Tuesday, September 6.

He had driven into the field near East Burton Road and, after seeing a dog chasing after the sheep, he used his vehicle to protect the sheep and tried to move the dog away.

The farmer told police that the dog owner came up to him and then assaulted him.

When the man let go, the farmer told him to get his dog under control.

The dog owner took the keys to the farmer’s vehicle and continued to assault him, before eventually stopping and leaving, heading towards Wool bridge.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The dog owner is described as a white male, approximately six feet tall and of stocky build with a bald head and a beard.

He was wearing a grey hooded top with a basketball logo on the front, purple shorts and black sliders.

The dog is described as a Doberman-type with black pointed ears.

Police constable Max Vallance, of Purbeck police, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim and I am carrying out a number of enquiries to identify the offender.

“I would urge anyone who recognises the man and his dog from the descriptions given to please contact Dorset Police.

“Also, I would like to remind dog owners of the importance of keeping your dog on a lead when it is near livestock as it can have devastating consequences.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220146239. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.