A MAN has been charged with intentional strangulation of a woman in Bournemouth.

It was reported that at around 11.20am on Saturday, June 8, a 19-year-old woman was assaulted by a man who was known to her during an altercation that took place in Hawkwood Road and Parkwood Road.

19-year-old Matthew Luke Sibley from Bournemouth was arrested and subsequently charged with intentional strangulation, criminal damage, and using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence.

He appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 10, and is next due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, July 4.

Officers investigating the reported assault are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police constable Lizzie Christie of Bournemouth police said: “This incident occurred in the middle of the day, and further inquiries have revealed a number of members of the public present, some of whom may have captured the incident on mobile phone camera footage.

“I would ask anyone who saw what happened, or who has captured any relevant footage, to please come forward if you have not already spoken to police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240086137. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.