A MAN was robbed inside a public toilet in Winton after hearing someone calling for help.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was inside the block off Leslie Road at around 1pm on Wednesday, January 18 when he was targeted.

After hearing cries for help inside one of the toilet cubicles, he opened the unlocked toilet door.

A man inside came out and threatened to stab the victim if he didn't hand over his wallet.

A second man also approached the victim from behind and threatened him.

The robbers then stole his mobile phone before making off.

The victim suffered minor injuries.

The first offender is described as white, of medium build and around five feet ten inches tall. The victim was unable to get a description of the second offender.

Winton locals have spoken of their shock after the incident.

Sandra McDonald said: “It’s a very scary situation. I’ve never heard of anything like this happening in Winton before, it’s very unusual.”

Keith Andrews said: "It's a horrible thing to have happened, especially in the middle of a public area in broad daylight.

"I'll be wary of using those loos now."

And Doreen Kelly said she was "surprised" that it had happened.

"I feel quite safe in this area, I never think someone's going to rob me here. 

"Saying that, they're not very pleasant toilets but they're the only ones in the area so people rely on them."

Detective Constable Felicity Bracewell, of Bournemouth CID, said: "The victim was left very shaken by what happened."

She said the incident happened at a "busy time of the day" and called for anyone who saw two men acting suspiciously in the area or running along Winton high street at the time of the robbery to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55170008789.