Dorset Police news site

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as they investigate a robbery in Bournemouth.

Between 10pm and 11pm on Saturday 11 May 2024 two men were sitting by a stack of deck chairs on the seafront near to Bournemouth Pier when they were approached by two other men.

It was reported that the other men became verbally aggressive and one was holding a glass bottle while the other had some kind of cannister. The victims were threatened and the men forced one of them to handover their mobile phone and give their passcode.

They also stole a bag and assaulted one of the victims, causing minor facial injuries, before the victims ran away from the scene.

One of the offenders is described as black, aged in his mid 20s, of slim build and around five feet six inches tall with shoulder-length dreadlock style hair and a short, groomed beard. He was wearing a black tank top style vest, blue or navy straight cut jeans and trainers. He may also have had a sleeve tattoo.

The second offender is described as black, aged in his early to mid 20s, of slim build and around five feet six inches tall and with short to medium-length afro-style hair. He was wearing a black waist-length coat with a fur hood, possibly with some white or light-coloured writing on it, and may also have been carrying a bag with a strap over his coat.

Police Constable Sim Churchill, of Bournemouth police, said: “We are carrying out a full investigation into this robbery and I would like to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information that might assist our enquiries.

“I would urge anyone with information regarding those involved in this incident to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240070631. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.