A MAN who confronted would-be burglars trying to tow his van off a driveway was hit by something fired from a catapult, police believe.

The incident happened at an address in Coniston Close, Verwood, at around 11.50pm on Saturday (March 4).

Police said the man was alerted to a group of men in a black SUV type vehicle attempting to tow his van off the driveway, prompting him to head outside to confront them.

As he went to challenge the men, he was struck by a projectile that was believed to have been fired by a catapult, causing a laceration to his cheek, a Dorset Police spokesperson said.

“He was also struck by some kind of metal bar or tool and was taken to hospital for treatment to a broken arm.

“It is not believed anything was stolen by the offenders and they left the scene in the black SUV in the direction of Manor Lane.”

The offenders are described as a group of four or five men, wearing dark clothing and gloves with their faces covered.

Detective Inspector Dave Horn, of Dorset County CID, said: “This must have been a very distressing incident for the victim, and we are carrying out a full investigation to identify those involved.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on the night of Saturday, March 4, particularly concerning a black SUV type vehicle, to please contact us.

“I would also urge members of the public in the vicinity to check any home CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage for anything that might assist our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230034587. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.