DETECTIVES have released a CCTV image of a suspect after a dog walker was assaulted.

The 45-year-old victim had been sitting on a park bench while his pet was running around.

A group of males then approached him and the victim thought they looked aggressive, so he walked away. He crossed the road and walked away. Two members of the gang then approached him as he walked past a Tesco store on Old Milton Road, in New Milton.

He was then assaulted and left with a possible fracture to his jaw as well as facial injuries.

Detective constable Steve Roman said: “This was a violent unprovoked attack which took place by a busy road. “Were you driving along the road at the time? Did you see what happened? Do you recognise the man in the CCTV? “I would urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.”

The incident happened sometime between 8.30pm and 8.50pm on Thursday, June 18.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Roman at Southampton police station by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.