POLICE in Bournemouth are appealing for the public's help after a thief attacked a 17-year-old girl in New Road, Northbourne.

The man pulled the terrified girl to the ground and stole her mobile phone and keys during the robbery, which happened just before midnight on Sunday near the Cherry Tree nursery.

Detective Constable Jamie Halford of Bournemouth CID said the girl became aware of a man walking behind her. He said the attacker grabbed the straps of her bag before pulling her down.

"Fortunately the girl was uninjured, but it was a frightening experience for her.

"It's important to find the man responsible for the attack," said DC Halford.

"I'd like to hear from anyone at all who saw this incident, and from anyone else who was in New Road around midnight and who may have seen the man responsible."

The police are looking for a white man with noticeably thick, bushy eyebrows. He was aged in his late 20s and 5ft 10in to 6ft tall. He was wearing a black hooded jumper and a thick curb-link-style chain around his neck.

Witnesses or anyone with information should ring the Dorset Police appeals line on 01202 222500 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

First published: October 5