Dorset Police news site

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

The incident happened between 7pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 19 November 2022, when the victim was riding an electric Beryl scooter on East Overcliff Drive near to the Red Arrows Memorial Sculpture heading away from the pier.

The victim, a 33-year-old local man, was approached by two men who asked him how he got the scooter and how it works. The victim opened the Beryl app on his mobile phone to show it to them when one of the men grabbed hold of the mobile phone and the victim’s arm, who then tried to get his phone back. At that point the other offender took out a large knife from behind his back and the victim let go of his phone and the scooter and ran away.

Both suspects have been described as black, in their mid-20s and of skinny build. One of the men is approximately five feet 11 inches tall and was wearing a Puffa-style coat with the hood up and green Nike jogging bottoms. The other man is about six feet tall and was wearing a face covering, black jogging bottoms and a black Puffa-style coat.

Police Constable Paige Hamilton, of Bournemouth police, said: “When officers attended the incident, they searched the area, but were unable to locate the offenders.

“I am hoping that somebody remembers seeing the two men in the area, or recognises them by the descriptions given, and can give us information that could help with our investigation.

“Also, I would appeal for any motorists with dashcam fitted who were in the area at the time to check whether they have any relevant footage.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220188195. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.