A man has been charged following an investigation by detectives into a report of a serious assault in Weymouth, with officers continuing to appeal for any witnesses to come forward.
Dorset Police received a report at 8.12pm on Tuesday 10 December 2024 of an assault in Abbotsbury Road.
Officers attended with the ambulance service. The victim, a man aged in his 70s, was taken to hospital for treatment to head and facial injuries. He remains in hospital in a serious condition. His family has been informed and is being kept updated by officers on developments in the investigation.
Following fast-time enquiries at the scene, a 19-year-old man from Weymouth was arrested. He has now been charged with attempted murder, criminal damage and assaulting an emergency worker and is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Friday 13 December 2024.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Jenkins, of Dorset County CID, said: “Following a swift response by officers, a man was detained in connection with the incident and after detailed enquiries he has now been charged and is due to appear at court.
“We are grateful to members of the public who have provided information to assist our enquiries so far, and I am appealing for any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please make contact with us.
“In particular, we are keen to speak to a white man of slim build who was seen walking from the junction of Newstead Road toward St Paul’s Church wearing a red or burgundy-coloured hat, a black Puffa-style jacket, black trousers and white trainers at around 8.10pm on the evening of the incident. I would like to stress that we are keen to identify this man purely as a witness and take his account, as he may have important information to assist our investigation.
“I am also keen to hear from motorists or residents who may have captured any relevant dashcam, home CCTV or doorbell camera footage.
“I would like to reassure members of the public that there will continue to be an increased policing presence in the area over the coming days, with local officers providing enhanced visible patrols. I would urge anyone with information or concerns to please speak with an officer.
“Finally, I appreciate this incident resulted in the closure of Abbotsbury Road for a significant period of time and I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during this period, particularly residents who were impacted by the closure.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240189168. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
