POLICE are looking to speak to two people who helped a teenage boy after he was assaulted and had his bag stolen in two separate incidents on the same day.

Between 10pm and 10.15pm on Thursday, April 21, a 15-year-old boy was sitting in a bus stop at Station Road car park opposite the Co-op in Sturminster Newton when he was assaulted by a male teenager. Two people intervened to help the victim and took him to a nearby park.

It is reported that a short time later the victim returned to the bus stop and was approached by a group of people. Following a brief interaction, one of the group grabbed the victim’s bag and stole it.

The victim subsequently ran away and the incidents were reported to Dorset Police at 10.17pm.

Officers attended and located the boy. He was taken to hospital as a precaution, but did not sustain any serious injuries.

Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Simon Austin, of Weymouth CID, said: “An investigation is underway into both incidents and enquiries are ongoing to establish whether they are linked.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity at the bus stop around the relevant time to please get in touch.

“I am particularly keen to speak to the two members of the public who assisted the victim. They are reported to have been walking a German Shepherd dog.

“I would also like to ask anyone who may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam or CCTV systems to please get in touch.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team can be approached by anyone with information or concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220062872. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.