A GANG of thugs in balaclavas attacked a man with a baton while he was sat in his car before stealing it. 

The man, aged in his 20s, parked his light blue Peugeot 108 in the Pavilion car park in Westover Road, Bournemouth town centre, on Monday evening, August 12. 

As he parked up, he was approached by the gang of men who were all clad in balaclavas who then started to bang on his car window. 

One of the men then opened his car door and threatened the victim, before another man struck him with what was believed to be a baton. 

The victim was able to flee the scene, but he was left with an injured shoulder and the gang drove off with his car. 

Pavilion car park in Westover RoadPavilion car park in Westover Road

Detective sergeant Kate Brew, of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole criminal investigations department, said the random attack was “very distressing” for the man. 

On what was one of the hottest days of the year, thousands had flocked to Bournemouth's seafront and remained in the area and town centre that evening. 

Dorset Police is now looking for witnesses to the attack. 

DS Brew said: “This was a very distressing incident for the victim, and we have launched a full investigation to identify those involved. 

“We are exploring a number of active lines of enquiry and from our investigation we understand there were a number of people in the area around the time of the incident. 

“I would urge any witnesses to please contact us and we are also keen to hear from any motorists who may have captured relevant dashcam footage.” 

Dorset Police's spokesman said the force is continuing to carry out "enhanced" patrols in the town centre as part of its 100 Days of Summer campaign.

He said: "We work with our partners to provide a visible presence in the vicinity and officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns."

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 552400123837.  

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.