A 75-YEAR-OLD woman is in hospital after being knocked to the ground in a failed raid on a charity shop.

Three men entered the Pramacare charity shop in Wimborne Road, Kinson, and attempted to steal items from a back office but were disturbed.

As they fled, one of them knocked down the elderly member of staff, who injured her head.

The woman, who lives in Bournemouth, was taken to Poole Hospital. She remained conscious and was last night in a stable condition. Her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Police are appealing for information about the incident, which happened at around 3.13pm on Monday.

Detective Inspector And-rew Scriven of Bournemouth Bournemouth said: "I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed suspicious activity outside the shop or three men making their escape from the shop.

"We already have some witnesses and have carried out house to house enquiries and other enquiries.

"I am sure that there may well be more witnesses who have not contacted the police because this incident happened in a busy Bournemouth street at a busy time of the day," he added.

One of the men is described as white, 5ft 11ins tall and of big build but not fat.

He had a distinctive "boxer's nose" that was broken at the top and flat at the bottom. He was wearing a blue short-sleeved top and a baseball cap.

The two other men were described as being shorter than the first.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 222500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.