Stranger who kicked dog outside Dorset shop hunted by police

Police want to trace a man seen at the shop

A French bulldog was kicked in the stomach "with some force" by a stranger while it was tied up outside a shop in Dorset, police have said.

It happened outside Central convenience store in Bure Lane, Mudeford, at about 09:30 GMT on 25 January.

Police said the owner, a woman with her young son, came out of the shop and was told a man had kicked her dog.

When she went back inside to challenge the suspect, he became abusive, officers said.

Dorset Police has issued images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

PC Jon Park said: "This was a distressing incident for the woman as well as her family members who witnessed the attack on the dog."

Police said the dog did not suffer any injuries that required veterinary treatment.