AN ATTACKER punched a young woman in the face as he attempted to snatch her handbag in a Poole residential street.

The attempted robbery and assault took place in broad daylight in Branksome and has shocked those who know the area.

Ward councillor Marion Le Poidevin said: “Such an unprovoked attack in broad daylight must have been a terrible experience for this young woman. It’s all the worse because it is so unexpected in this area.

“Clearly this man needs to be caught as soon as possible to make sure he doesn’t do anything similar again.”

The incident took place in Cromer Road, off busy Poole Road, around 2.30pm on Wednesday.

A 22-year-old Bournemouth woman was walking home when she was approached from behind by an unknown man who tried to snatch her handbag and then punched her in the face before running off empty-handed.

PC Luke Davis of Poole police said: “This unprovoked attack has left a young woman very shaken and I am appealing for witnesses to assist with our investigation.”

The woman had got off the number 16 bus after travelling from Arne Avenue at 1.25pm.

“She arrived in Cromer Road at 1.50pm and had just gone past Cromer Gardens when she felt a tug on the straps of her handbag which was over her shoulder,” said PC Davis.

“She turned to find an unknown man trying to pull her bag off her.

“After a tug of war between the two, the offender began to swing punches, one of which caught the victim in the face.”

The offender is described as white, in his late 30s, with a tanned complexion and bushy eyebrows. He was wearing a black jacket, dark jeans and black trainers. He ran off in the direction of Poole Road.

A woman walking along Cromer Road the day after the assault said: “I have never heard of anything like that happening here before. It is quite a busy area.”

Witnesses and anyone with information are urged to call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident 20:271 or free and anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.