A 14-YEAR-OLD boy was sexually assaulted by a man who attempted to rob him in the street.

Police have appealed for information following the incident which took place in Bournemouth at around 8pm on Thursday April 29.

The boy was approached by a man who touched him inappropriately and searched his pockets in Holdenhurst Road, near to the roundabout at the junction with Wellington Road.

The man made off when as a passing police officer saw the incident and went to intervene.

A 34-year-old man from New Milton in Hampshire was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and attempted robbery. He has been released under investigation as detectives carry out further enquiries.

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Detective Constable Jo Regan, of Bournemouth CID, said: "We are carrying out a full investigation into this incident and I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened, or who has any information that might assist our enquiries, to please come forward.

"I would also urge anyone who was driving in the area around the relevant time and has dashcam fitted to please check their footage for anything that might assist us."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55210067393, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.