Police in Poole are appealing for witnesses and anyone
with information to come forward after a man attempted to steal a
woman’s handbag and assaulted her in the Branksome area of the
town.
The incident happened along Cromer Road at around 2.30pm on
Wednesday 20 February 2013.
The victim, a 22-year-old Bournemouth woman,
was walking home when she was approached from behind by an unknown
man who tried to snatch her handbag and then punched her in the
face before running off empty handed.
Police Constable Luke Davis, of Poole police,
said: “This unprovoked attack has left a young woman very shaken
and I am appealing for witnesses to assist with our
investigation.
“Before the incident took place, the victim
alighted from the number 16 bus that she had taken from Arne Avenue
in Poole at 1.25pm.
“She arrived in Cromer Road at 1.50pm, and had
just gone past Cromer Gardens when she felt a tug on the straps of
her handbag which was over her shoulder.
“She turned to find an unknown man trying to
pull her bag off her.
“After a tug of war between the two the
offender began to swing punches, one of which caught the victim in
the face.
“The offender, who is described as a white
man, aged in his late thirties with a tanned complexion and bushy
eyebrows, then ran off in the direction of Poole Road.
“He was wearing a black puffer jacket, dark
jeans and black trainers.
“Witnesses and anyone with information about
the offender are asked to contact police as soon as possible in the
strictest confidence.”
No arrests have been made.
Witnesses and anyone with
information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting
incident number 20:271. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous
Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may
apply.
Issued: 21 February
2013