Police investigating a racially-motivated attack on a Turkish woman have released an image of a suspect.

Dorset Police said the man approached the victim, who was in her 20s, and made a religious comment to her before punching her in the face.

The victim sustained bruising to her head but did not require medical treatment during the incident which happened at around 2.20am on Saturday in the Charminster area of Bournemouth.

A passer-by came to the victim's aid and took her to a nearby bar to alert the police.

The suspect is described as aged in his 40s, of stocky build and was wearing a grey tracksuit and a grey hooded top with the hood up. He spoke with a Scottish accent.

Inspector Jonathan Wasey said: "This was a vicious and unprovoked attack on a young woman as she walked alone.

"As part of our investigation I am now in a position to issue a CCTV image of the suspect.

"I appreciate the image is not very clear but I would urge anyone who recognises him or the clothing he is wearing to please contact Dorset Police.

"We believe this man may have been in the Charminster area on Friday evening and early Saturday morning.

"I would like to thank all those members of public who have contacted us so far.

"We would still like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw a man matching the description given in the area at the relevant time.

"Racially or religiously motivated incidents such as this have no place in our community and they will simply not be tolerated. A full investigation is underway to find the offender."