A teenager has undergone a 'distressing ordeal', losing £70 in cash after being mugged at knifepoint.

The 15-year-old victim was walking down an alleyway which runs between Lane-Side and Longmead in Shaftesbury sometime between 4.30 pm and 5 pm last Friday, May 11, when he heard voices behind him.

One man then put him in a headlock, while a second, brandishing a knife, demanded money.

The victim handed over £70 in cash and his wallet, before being punched in the face by the man holding him. Both offenders then left the scene, heading in the direction of Wincombe Lane.

The victim was left with a cut to his lip but did not require hospital treatment.

The first offender is described as being aged between 17 and 20, about five feet seven inches tall and with short blond hair. He was wearing a black hooded top, possibly with white writing on it, and dark blue jeans.

The second offender is said to be of a similar age and around five feet eight inches tall with short black hair. He was wearing a black hooded top, dark blue jeans and grey trainers.

Detective Sergeant Simon Austin of Weymouth CID said: “This was clearly a very distressing ordeal for the victim and I want to assure members of the community that a detailed investigation is being carried out in order to identify those responsible.

“We have been conducting house-to-house enquiries in the area and exploring CCTV opportunities and I am now appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that can assist our investigation to contact police.

“There has been an increased police presence in the area and members of the public can approach officers from the local neighbourhood policing team with any concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180071362. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.