A GANG burst into a man's home and assaulted him before fleeing with cash.

A man has been arrested as police investigate the alleged aggravated burglary in Weymouth's Park District on Thursday night.

Community leaders have expressed shock over the incident and urging residents to help the police with the investigation.

Dorset Police said officers were called to Lennox Street in Weymouth at 9.26pm on Thursday following a report of a burglary and a man being assaulted.

An investigation was launched by Dorset Police which discovered cash and some items had been stolen.

A search of the area was conducted.

A 35-year-old man from Portland has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and possession of a class B drug.

Police officers were at the address yesterday to carry out further enquiries into the incident. The door to the property was open as a Police Community Support Officer stood inside.

Residents walked past the Lennox Street address and looked on as police officers carried out investigations inside the property.

Councillor Tia Roos, who represents the Melcombe Regis ward for Weymouth Town Council, was shocked about the crime on Lennox Street, and feared it was linked to anti-social behaviour in the area.

She said: “I’m appalled it has happened. People should feel safe in their homes. If it is associated with anti-social behaviour in the area, then that needs to be sorted as soon as possible.

“I would call for police patrols, more surveillance and police action in the area. Councillors know of problems in the area and we are keen to resolve this.

“Residents need peace and security while they are in lockdown.”

A spokesman for Dorset Police said the investigation into the aggravated burglary was ongoing.

He said: “We received a report at 9.26pm on Thursday, January 14 that three men had forced entry to an address in Lennox Street in Weymouth.

“It was reported that a male occupant was assaulted, and cash and other items were stolen.

“Officers attended and carried out a search of the area. A 35-year-old Portland man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and possession of a class B drug.

“He is assisting detectives with their enquiries and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.”