A thirteen year old boy was threatened with a knife by a man in a balaclava during an attempted robbery.

The incident took place between 5pm and 6pm on Friday, October 7 in an alleyway next to Blandford United Reformed Church.

It is reported that the teenager was approached by a man and threatened with a knife. Another man shouted at the offender who then ran to a vehicle and left the scene.

The offender is described as being about five feet eleven inches tall, of stocky build and with black or brown hair.

He was wearing a plain black balaclava of Lycra type material, black gloves with white bits on the inside of the fingertips, a black hooded top with a red stripe across the stomach, black tight-fitting jeans with a rip in left knee and a chain looped from left pocket and black Nike trainers.

The vehicle he left in is described as a small, black car and was parked in Whitecliff Mill Street.

Officers investigating the attempted robbery are now asking for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Nick May, of Blandford police, said: “I am urging any witnesses to this incident or anyone with information about the person responsible to please come forward.

“In particular, I would like to hear from the man who intervened and offered to help the victim.

“I would also appeal for anyone who may have seen someone matching the description of the suspect around the time in question to please make contact.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220165642.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.