Detectives in Dorset are appealing for witnesses and
information following a burglary at a dairy farm near
Gillingham.
The incident, in which offenders stole farming equipment from a
workshop before striking a woman on the head, happened at Longmoor
Farm, northwest of Gillingham, at around 1.30am, yesterday,
Wednesday, 4 November 2009.
The victim, a 44-year-old woman, sustained minor bruising to her
face and was treated at Yeovil Hospital.
Detective Constable Simon Austin, of Dorset Police’s County
Division CID, said: "The
victim had been looking after a pregnant cow when she noticed a
light was on at a nearby workshop.
"As she opened the workshop door she found a man immediately in
front of her – this man then struck her across the head with an
unknown object.
"The burglar then ran past her, shouted a warning to an
accomplice, and then both offenders made their get away in a white
Ford Transit style vehicle.
"This van was driven in the direction of the main road, known
locally as ‘Lawn Crossroads’ – the vehicle’s lights were off."
The man who struck the victim is white and he was wearing a
dark-coloured hooded top at the time of the incident.
No further description of the two offenders is available.
DC Austin
continued: "I am appealing for anyone who witnessed any suspicious
activity in the area around Longmoor Farm during the early hours of
yesterday, Wednesday, 4 November, to contact me urgently.
"I would also like to hear from anyone who recalls seeing a
white van in the Gillingham area at around 1.30am yesterday, and
anyone with information about those responsible, as soon as
possible."
Following the report, officers, supported by the Force
helicopter, searched the surrounding area.
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset
Police in confidence on 01305 or 01202 222 222 or the free and
anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone
tariffs may apply.