A dwarf from Milborne Port who was picked up and dropped on his back during birthday celebrations in a Wincanton pub is facing up to life in a wheelchair because of his injuries.

Martin Henderson suffers from dwarfism and was in the White Horse pub celebrating with a group of friends on Friday, October 7.

While his mates were playing pool, Mr Henderson went outside for a cigarette.

“We were having a good night out to celebrate my birthday and there were a few of us drinking together in a corner of the pub,” he said.

“I went outside for a cigarette and the next thing I know I’m suddenly in the air and someone has got hold of me.

“I was then dropped on to my back on to the hard floor.

“From what I remember, there was only one person involved but it was very scary as I didn’t know what was going on.

“I guess I was an easy target and the only reason I was picked on was because I am small. People’s attitudes to me when I go out can be pretty cruel. Most are OK but you get the odd idiot who will make fun and start laughing at me.

“You just have to ignore it but this is the first time I have been picked up and thrown about.”

Mr Henderson gave a description of the man to police as being of slim build, dark hair, around 5ft 8in and wearing a hooded top and baseball cap.

He was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton for treatment that night by ambulance when his back and legs began to feel numb.

A scan revealed tissue damage to his back and he was released from hospital the following morning.

The 37-year-old, who suffers from spinal stenosis, has struggled to walk properly since and has lost the strength in his back and legs.

Despite regular hospital visits for further scans and physiotherapy, Mr Henderson now has to use a zimmer frame to walk and has been told by doctors he will need a wheelchair for longer journeys.

Mr Henderson has also suffered a broken wrist since the attack after he fell over when his legs gave way on Sunday.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers investigating would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the pub on the night of October 7.

“It follows an incident in which a small person was picked up by an unknown person in the bar and dropped.”

To pass on information to police call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.