A man in his 20s was left seriously injured after a violent assault outside the Waitrose store located at Chantry Fields in Gillingham, Dorset, near the Somerset border.
Dorset Police received a report at 6:37 pm on Saturday, 4 July 2026, that a group of men had assaulted the victim before fleeing the scene in a blue car. It remains unclear if the victim knew his attackers, but authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Emergency services responded promptly, and the victim was transported to hospital with serious injuries.
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Descriptions of two suspects include one wearing a dark-colored top, khaki or brown shorts, and dark boots, and another dressed in a black top and black shorts.
Investigations officer Flo Winstanley from the Dorset County Criminal Investigation Department appealed for witnesses or anyone in the area with dashcam footage to assist the investigation.
“We are actively working to establish the circumstances and identify those responsible,” Winstanley stated. “I urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant dashcam footage from the Waitrose car park area around 6:30 pm to contact us.”
She also expressed gratitude to the public for their patience while police conducted enquiries at the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and there is no indication of further risk to the wider community.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Dorset Police online or by phone at 101, quoting occurrence number 55260100125. Alternatively, anonymous information can be provided to Crimestoppers online or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.