POLICE are hunting a masked man who attacked a terrified householder during a burglary on Monday night.

The incident happened at around 9.45pm at an address along Christchurch Road in Boscombe when a man, wearing thick white tights over his face, forced his way through a window.

He attacked the occupier, a man in his 60s, before stealing some keys and leaving the address through the front door.

The victim sustained minor injuries to his arm, chest and leg which required hospital treatment.

Detectives have released details of the incident in the hope that someone walking or driving along the busy road may have seen something and come forward with information.

PC Jon Sainsbury, of Bournemouth CID, said: “The offender is described as between 5ft 10ins and 6ft, of slim build and it is believed that he was wearing thick white tights over his face with two holes cut out for his eyes.

“It is possible members of the public were around at the time and I am appealing for anyone who saw this man, or recalls any suspicious activity in the area at the time, to come forward.”

No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 5:552, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.