AN ARMED robber who threatened a woman at gunpoint fled empty handed when she screamed.

Police have confirmed the 59-year-old woman from Wimborne thwarted the man when she refused to hand over cash in Verwood.

The attempted robbery took place at 7.25pm on Friday, January 4, in Chiltern Drive, outside the Morrisons supermarket.

The victim was threatened with a handgun as she got into her silver car.

A Dorset Police spokesman said that at the moment they are not linking this with a gunman who struck three times in December but are "keeping an open mind".

The gunman at Verwood on Friday is described as white, aged 30-40, of medium build, approximately 12-13 stones. He spoke with a northern accent.

He was clean shaven and was wearing a black woollen hat, a dark jumper with black gilet over the top and black woollen gloves.

A police cordon was in place on Friday evening following the incident and the victim's car was recovered from the scene.

Detective Inspector Jock Mullen, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a very distressing incident for the victim but she bravely raised the alarm and was uninjured.

“I urge anyone who witnessed this attack, and anyone who saw someone matching this description near to the Morrisons store or running away from it, to call police as soon as possible.

“I am also appealing for anyone in the area who has private CCTV from the time of the incident or before or after to contact Dorset Police urgently.”

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 404/4.