Lorry Driver Stabbed In The Stomach

Detectives in North Dorset are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after a man was seriously assaulted in a lay-by at Walton Elm, near Marnhull.

The incident, in which an unknown offender attacked a male lorry driver, happened just after 10am today, Monday 16 July 2012.

The 35-year-old victim, from Salisbury, had been making deliveries in a blue Mercedes drop-sided lorry when he pulled into the lay-by on the B3092 at Walton Elm and alighted from his vehicle during a break. Upon returning to his lorry he was subject to an unprovoked attack.

The victim sustained a single stab wound to the stomach and is believed to have fallen unconscious for a short time. He was conveyed to Dorset County Hospital and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. The wound is believed to have been caused by a sharp or bladed object.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Stewart Dipple said:

"This is an extremely serious assault and we are working hard to establish what the motive may have been and who may have committed such an attack.

"I would like to reassure members of the public that unprovoked assaults such as this - particularly in this area - are
incredibly rare and, while the investigation is in its early stages, there is no information or evidence to suggest that theft or robbery was a motive.

"I'm certain that there would have been a number of motorists using the B3092 at Walton Elm at 10am today. The lay-by where this incident occurred is fairly well known as a rest stop for delivery drivers, and is distinctive due to its size for a rural road and the presence of a square red post box mounted on a pole.

"We would like to speak to anyone who was driving or walking past the lay-by this morning at around 10am. We are particularly keen to identify any vehicles that were parked in the lay-by - I understand that the victim noticed another vehicle parked behind his lorry at the time of the attack.

"I would like to speak to anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant you may consider that information to be. It may be that you are able to help us with this investigation."

No description of the offender is available.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 16:121. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.