Dorset Police news site

Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam to come forward as they investigate a report of a road rage incident near Dorchester.

At around 5.10pm on Saturday 27 December 2025 a man aged in his 70s was travelling east along the A35 Dorchester Bypass in a blue Audi A6 when another vehicle, a silver Nissan Qashqai, reportedly cut in front of him.

The Audi driver is reported to have flashed his lights and sounded his horn in response and when they reached the Stadium Roundabout on the edge of Dorchester both vehicles were stopped in the middle lane when the driver of the Nissan exited his vehicle and approached the Audi.

The man is reported to have grabbed the Audi driver through an open window before repeatedly punching him in the face and head. It was reported that during the incident the Audi rolled forward into the Nissan before reversing into another vehicle as the victim tried to get away.

The Nissan then reportedly drove off and the victim was treated by the ambulance service and taken to hospital with serious head injuries.

Following enquiries, a 30-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and he has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Ben Griffin, of Dorset County CID, said: “We are continuing to investigate this incident and I am keen to hear from any witnesses who have not already spoken to police.

“I would also urge any motorists who were travelling in the area around the relevant time to please review any dashcam footage to see if they have captured anything that might assist our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250189436. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.