TWO teenagers were reportedly assaulted and threatened by three men during a robbery in a Dorset town centre in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Shortly after 12am on Tuesday August 31, a 15 -year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were walking down Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, when they were approached by three men, who asked directions to a nightclub.

It was reported that the men insisted the two teenagers walk with them to show them the way and when they got near to NatWest bank, the men grabbed the victims and went through their pockets.

They allegedly took a mobile phone, bank card and ID card from one of the victims and £10 in cash from the younger victim.

The men then reportedly took the older victim to a cashpoint after making threats and withdrew cash using his card.

It was reported that he was also subsequently slapped in the head, spat at and punched by the men before the two victims were able to get away from them.

Officers attended the scene and three men – two aged 18 and from Reading and a 19-year-old from Slough – were arrested on suspicion of robbery.

They have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Officers investigating the alleged robbery are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Sarah Hodgson, of Dorset Police’s Priority Crime Team, said: “We are continuing to carry out enquiries into this incident and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident, or has any further information that might assist our investigation, to please come forward.

"I am particularly interested in speaking with two women who were reportedly approached by one of the suspects, who I believe may have witnessed this incident.”

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 55210140315.

 

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.