AN ARGUMENT over social distancing in a supermarket spilled out into the car park where a man was punched to the ground.

Police were called to Sainsbury's in South Street, Wareham following the incident at 5pm on Wednesday May 20.

Now they have appealed for witnesses to the attack, which left a man with injuries to his jaw and his elbow.

It was reported that the victim, a man aged in his 40s, had been involved in a verbal exchange with another man, who he did not know, in relation to social distancing while he was shopping in the store.

The two men were then involved in a further altercation in the car park and the victim was punched in the jaw area, causing him to fall to the ground.

Staff members came out of the store to intervene and both men then left the scene, with the offender getting into a small black hatchback car.

The victim did not require hospital treatment for his injuries, which included swelling to his jaw and a graze to his elbow.

The offender is described as white, aged around 35 to 45, about five feet ten inches tall and of medium build. He was possibly wearing a short-sleeved shirt.

Police Constable Sam Everton, of Purbeck police, said: "We are carrying out enquiries into this incident and I am keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed this altercation.

"I would urge anyone with information that could assist our investigation to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200071426, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.