POLICE are appealing for information after a man tried to snatch a bag off a paperboy.

The 15-year-old Dorchester paperboy was left ‘extremely distressed’ by the incident, police say.

A police spokesman said the teenager was pushing his bike on his round in Dorchester when he was approached from behind by an unknown man who demanded his paper bag and tried to pull it off his shoulder.

The victim was able to grab his bag and run to safety without suffering any injuries.

The incident occurred at approximately 7am on Saturday December 1 near Hangman’s Cottage on Glyde Path Road.

PC Gillian Cregg, of Dorchester police, said: “The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his fifties and of slim build with a grey beard.

“He was wearing a black woollen hat, a black jacket and black leather gloves.

“The incident was extremely distressing for the victim and I am keen to identify the offender as soon as possible.

“I am appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward and ring the police on 101 in the strictest confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 1:148 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.