POLICE are hunting a man after two attempted robberies – one which involved a knife.

The incident has been described as ‘deplorable’ as officers step up patrols in and around Ranelagh Road in Weymouth.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said it is believed the same man may have been responsible for the incidents. The first occurred at around 8pm on Wednesday night and the second in the early hours of this morning.

In the first attempted robbery, a man in his 60s was walking along the road when he was approached by an unknown man who asked for a cigarette, then one pound before he demanded money and pushed himself into the victim. The offender stole the victim’s glasses case and ran off. He discarded the case a short time later. No weapon was used.

The offender is described as white, aged in his 30s, five feet 10 inches tall, of average build and with short hair. He spoke with a local accent.

The second incident occurred just before 1.30am this morning, in the same section of Ranelagh Road as the first incident. The victim – a local man aged in his 30s – was walking along the road when he was approached by a man. 

The offender pulled out a black handled kitchen knife and demanded the victim’s money. The victim ran away from the scene and raised the alarm. Nothing was taken.

He described the offender as white, aged in his late 30s, of large build, with dark messy hair and spoke with a local accent.

Detective Constable Sean Garrett, of Weymouth CID, said: “This was a frightening incident for both victims and I would urge anyone who was in the Ranelagh Road area at the relevant time, or saw a man matching the descriptions given, to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would like to reassure members of the public that officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area over the coming days.”

Ward councillor Tia Roos said: “I think it’s deplorable. No community should have to deal with people who are violent towards others.”

She added: “There have been quite a few nasty incidents recently. We need to give the police as much support as possible. Communities need to stick together and be watchful when things like this happen.”

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 55170034663 for the 8pm incident or 55170034738 for the 1.30am incident. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org